Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Benin Zonal Coordinator of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Monday Igbafen Monday has escaped from kidnappers den having been held captive for two days.
The Edo State Police spokesman, Mr. Joel Yamu who broke the news, said Prof. Igbafen escaped from their den due to pressure mounted on them by the police.
Mr. Yamu said that the police had embarked on an aggressive bush combing in a determined efforts to secure the release of the university Professor immediately news of the kidnap filtered in, noting that the kidnappers had no choice but to let go of their quarry as a result of the action of the law enforcement agents.
Recall that Prof. Igbafen was kidnapped on Saturday night while driving into his home at Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state and taken to an unknown destination inside his ash colour Toyota Highlander Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) marked ABJ 180 JQ.
The Edo Police Public Relations Officer noted that the police are hot on the trail of the fleeing suspects.
He said: “The Command is aware of the report. Operatives of the Ekpoma Division mounted pressure on the kidnappers which led to the escape of the victim. We are on the trail of the suspects to ensure they are brought to book.”
The local chairperson of ASUU at Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Dr. Cyril Onogbosele confirmed the release, saying that the ASUU activist reunited with his family this morning.
“On behalf of ASUU, AAU, Ekpoma Chapter, I thank you all for your concern, care, support, solidarity and prayers during the ordeal of the Zonal Coordinator”, Onogbosele said.