Kidnappers free Jonathan’s cousin

Mr Jephthah Robert Yekorogha, the kidnapped cousin of a former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has been freed.

Jephthah was kidnapped on January 24, in front of his residence at Biogbolo-Epie, a suburb of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State by four heavily-armed gunmen.

Chief executive officer of Zeetin Engineering, Mr Azibola Robert, brother to the victim, confirmed the release on Monday.

“We give all the thanks to God for the safe return of our brother Jephthah Robert Yekorogha, from the kidnappers den,” Robert said in a statement issued by his media aide, Austin Ekeinde.

Read the statement: “We are glad to confirm that our brother, Mr. Jephthah Robert Yekorogha, has finally regained his freedom and reunited with the family after a protracted ordeal in the hands of his kidnappers.

“He regained freedom in the early hours of today, Monday, 7th February 2022. No information on whether or not ransom was paid before he regained freedom.

“He is in good health, but would see his doctor for routine medical checkup.

“Once again, we appreciate all well-meaning Nigerians who by way of calls, text messages and visits stood by us throughout the ordeal.

“Particularly, we appreciate the efforts of the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State and the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) for their determined assistance.

“You will recall that Mr. Yekorogha was kidnapped at gunpoint by armed men about 8:40pm on Monday, 24th January, 2022, in front of his house gate at Biogbolo, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

“The incident was promptly reported to the law-enforcement agencies who mounted pressure until he regained freedom.”