Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly kidnapped lecturers of the Abia State University, Uturu.
Information about the kidnap at the time of filing report was still sketchy, but our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred along ABSU-Ogboro road in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of the state.
The gunmen were said to have shot one Miss Ezinne Esike in her stomach and thigh.
She was said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed private hospital.
The names of the ABSU lecturers were given as Prof. S. O Eze of the Department of Industrial Chemistry and Mr. Christian Afulike of the Department of Mass Communication (a former Student Union Government President of the university), an indigene of Umuobiala in Isuikwuato LGA.
The gunmen were said to have abandoned Afulike’s car and phone along Isuikwuato-Uturu road.
A source within the university community who confirmed the kidnap of the professor said that he was not the primary target.
”The gunmen were attacking a commercial bus when the professor ran into them.
”They picked the professor and others and moved them into the bush.
”From the information available, soldiers from the 14Brigade, Ohafia have rescued three persons as at the early hours of today (Friday).”
Asked about the reported ransom demanded by the hoodlums, the source said “I don’t know about any ransom demand. The truth is that no one can say how many people that were abducted alongside Prof. But we hope that the professor and others will regain their freedom.”
When contacted, the Army Public Relations Officer (APRO) Captain Iliya Dauda, confirmed the rescue operation which he said was carried out by troops of 143 Ranger Battalion of 14 Brigade, Headquarters, Ohafia.
According to the APRO, the rescued victims have been handed over to the Police.
The Abia State Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Geoffrey Ogbonna in a telephone interview also confirmed the rescue of the victims.
Ogbonna went further to disclose that five persons have been rescued by the police as efforts to rescue the professor were ongoing.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Distinguished Professor Onyemachi M. Ogbulu, says he has received with deep shock and sadness, the news of abduction of two lecturers of the university.
”The Vice-Chancellor assured the families, university community and the public, that all combined security operations have been deployed to ensure the immediate release of these academics from their abductors without any harm.
”The Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the Governing Authorities of ABSU urge for calm and prayers at this time and not rumors that may escalate the situation.”
