Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly abducted Professor John Ebeh, a senior lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State. The assailants are demanding a N10 million ransom for his release.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the gunmen invaded the professor’s residence in Agbeji, a suburb of Anyigba in Dekina Local Government Area, around 7 p.m. on Thursday. The attackers fired several gunshots to scare residents before whisking him away.
A neighbour who identified himself as Akpai described the incident as swift and well-coordinated. According to him, a car had been trailing the professor’s vehicle, initially assumed to belong to a friend or colleague, until gunshots were heard near his gate.
A family source disclosed that Professor Ebeh was approaching the gate of his house when the incident occurred. He had signaled for the gate to be opened when a vehicle suddenly blocked his car. Masked men emerged, shooting sporadically, and forcefully took him away. The kidnappers later contacted the family on Friday night, demanding a ransom of N10 million.
Though the university authorities have not yet issued an official statement, a colleague of the victim expressed shock over the incident and visited the family to offer support.
Residents and colleagues are urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the professor’s release and curb the growing insecurity in the area.
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Agency Report
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