by Dolapo Adelana
Prof. Edet Ekpenyong, a lecturer in the Department of Zoology, University of Calabar has been kidnapped.
According to The Punch, Ekpenyong was whisked away by his abductors while jogging on the university campus.
It was gathered there was intense shooting before the gunmen whisked Prof. Edet away into a waiting boat at about 6.40am.
A source, disclosed that two persons have been arrested, as one of the kidnappers’ mobile phone fell down.
He said, “It was a fierce battle as the kidnappers overwhelmed the school security men. There were gunshots. This whole thing happened close to the professor’s house. They dragged him on the floor for close to 100 metres before they eventually pulled him into the vehicle.
“The kidnappers escaped through a waiting boat at the Big Qua River, which shares boundary with the university. So far, two arrests have been made as at Friday. One of the kidnappers’ mobile handset fell down and it has led to the arrest of two people.”
The acting Head of Department of Modern Languages in the university, Dr. Sampson Uzuanke, speaking on behalf of lecturers, drew the attention of security agencies to the threat by hoodlums to kidnap some principal officers of the institution or their cronies.
“We got the information that some disgruntled elements who are working with some forces outside the university have concluded plans to kidnap top principal officers or their children or wards.
“Information at our disposal have shown that those behind the dastardly plot have gone ahead to recruit cultists and hoodlums to cause mayhem within the academic community.
“Such threats can no longer be taken lightly as this group, in collaboration with other concerned workers of the university and security agency, will go the whole hog to ensure that those behind it are arrested and made to face the wrath of the law,” he said.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, when contacted on the incident said investigation was ongoing, stating, “We are top of the situation.”
Leave a reply