ABSU, security agencies intensify efforts to secure release of 2 abducted lecturers
[From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia]
Management of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) and security agencies have intensified efforts to rescue two lecturers of the institution kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen last Thursday evening.
Sources said Rev. Professor S. O. Eze of the Department of Industrial Chemistry, and a Methodist Minidter and Don Chris Afulike of the Department of Mass Communication were abducted when they ran into the gunmen who were operating along Uturu-Mbala Road in Isuikwuato local government area of Abia State.
Professor Eze was said to be travelling to Item, with some others including the wife, for a prayer camp meeting, while Afulike was travelling in a separate vehicle to an undisclosed location in Isuikwuato at about 7 p.m.
Chairperson of ABSU’s Academic Staff Union of Universities, Comrade V U. Nkemdirim, confirmed the incident, saying that the two lecturers ran into the gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, when they were robbing other vehicles.
“After the robbery, the herdsmen took the two lecturers and some others away.
“As of now, they’re yet to be seen. However, the (Toyota) Camry belonging to Dr. Chris Afulike has been seen with his phone inside the vehicle,” Nkemdirim said.
He said the families of the lecturers confirmed the incident, and the University management has been involved in the matter.
According to him, the national body of ABSU and necessary security agencies have been contacted.
Reacting to the incident, ABSU Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Onyemachi M. Ogbulu, said he was shocked and saddened by the abduction of his two staff.
The Vice Chancellor’s feelings were conveyed in a statement endorsed by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Chijioke Nwogu, Friday evening.
“The Vice-Chancellor assures the family, 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 statement read in part.
Nwogu quoted the VC as assuring that the security of lives and property of staff and students remain top priority of his administration, adding that the University was working with Abia State Government and all security agencies to secure the release of the abducted lecturers.
“Therefore, 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,” Nwogu said.
