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A first cousin of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mike Ogiasa is spending his 35th day in the hands of kidnappers since his abduction last month.
This is as a disturbing video emerged showing Mike Ogiasa submerged in a poll of dirty water, inside a grave-like trench begging for mercy and calling for ransom to be paid as his life was at stake.
Ogiasa, a former Special Assistant during Gov Jonathan’s administration as governor of Bayelsa who was later appointed a Commissioner under Gov Timipreye Sylva, also served Gov Dickson as a special adviser was reportedly kidnapped on June 4, 2022 by gunmen and yet to be released.
The kidnappers are said to be demanding for N40 million to secure his release which, as at the time of this report, has not been raised or paid.
A source who spoke on the condition of anonymity, while pleading with stakeholders to intervene said: ” he is a gentleman and God fearing Elder in Greater Evangelism World Crusade , a very close family first cousin of Former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“He deserves our collective support at this point of his life if he is still in captivity ..the state Government , INC, IYC, Ogbia Brotherhood and all Ijaws must rally around to get his immediate release…whatever ransome is not greater than his life..lets not ignore this urgent and SOS calls from inside 6ft freshly dug grave..what else could be more growling than smelling one’s own grave alive…pls all!!! Lets help!!!”.
A concerned individual who craved anonymity wondered why President Jonathan continues to keep mum about the situation when he has friends who could raise the money even if he is short of such funds.
“He is ignoring his first blood cousin to die and rot because of money? …cant he ask his friends Dangote to raise him cash if he is broke to rescue his own blood father’s nephew?
“What is the ransom?….can GEJ be contacted or his friends and business allies be reached to bail his father’s favorite Nephew out of grave?” the individual queried.