Armed men on Friday kidnapped a former deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Adigun Agbaje, and two students from the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLIO).
It was learned that the kidnappers contacted the families of their victims, demanding N50 million for the release of Mr. Agbaje, a political science professor and former academic vice-chancellor.
They also demanded N10 million for each of the two students.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr. Agbaje, who is currently on sabbatical at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye in Ogun State, was on his way to Ibadan around 6:00 p.m. on Friday when he encountered the men. armed.
He was taken, along with the students, near the Sat Guru Maharaji Garden, at the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
A telephone conversation between one of the kidnappers and the mother of one of the students revealed that the former was urgently demanding the ransom to avoid “his sudden death.”
The mother promised to get the money, praying that she would not die before her release.
Damilola Ajani, president of the MAPOLY Student Union, confirmed the kidnapping of the students.
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“The unknown gunmen called to collect a ransom of N10 million. In light of this, we seek public financial help and prayer.” Mr. Ajani said.
Adewale Osifeso, the police spokesman in Oyo state, said one officer was killed and another “seriously injured” when they clashed with the gunmen.
“So far, spent ammunition cartridges and four abandoned vehicles have been recovered at the scene,” Osifeso, the police superintendent, said in a statement.
He said the police commissioner in the state has ordered an investigation into the incident.
“Similarly, caregivers, traditional healers, and residents in and outside of the shooting incident area are advised to be vigilant for shooting victims and immediately report any unusual occurrences to the police so immediate action can be taken.”