Abductors holding a staff member of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, have demanded N7 million for his release.
The victim, Omoniyi Eleyinmi, a faculty officer in the university’s Faculty of Education, was seized five days ago in front of his home at Supare-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area, while returning from work.
Sources said Eleyinmi’s wife narrowly escaped after the gunmen, who fired sporadically, whisked him away.
A family source disclosed that the kidnappers first contacted the family on Wednesday, allowing the victim to speak briefly with his wife, and initially demanded N100 million before reducing it to N7 million after appeals.
Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, had ordered tactical commanders to ensure the victim’s safe rescue and apprehend the culprits. He, however, said he was not aware of any ransom demand.
“We are assuring the people of Ondo State that we are on top of the situation, and we are not resting on our oars,” Ayanlade said.
Meanwhile, the AAUA Alumni Association, to which Eleyinmi belongs, has appealed to Nigerians for donations to help secure his release.
The appeal was contained in a statement by the association’s Global Publicity Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin.