ASUU zonal coordinator, Prof Igbafen successfully evades kidnappers

The kidnapped Zonal Coordinator, Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Professor Monday Lewis Igbafen, has escaped from his abductors barely 24-hours after the abduction.

The Newsmen  reports that the Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, lecturer was abducted by gunmen on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at a10:00 pm while driving into his residence at Ekpoma.

The former AAU-ASUU chairman was said to have been blindfolded by his abductors, who took him to a forest in Esan South East Local Government Area of the state.

A colleague of the Zonal Coordinator, Benin Zone of ASUU, who spoke to Newsmen  on condition of anonymity, said Igbafen escaped from his abductors on Sunday night.

He said, “Prof Igbafen was kidnapped by gunmen at gun point at about 10:00 pm on Saturday, in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the State.

“He was driving into his residence at Ekpoma, when gunmen accosted him. The gunmen drove him away to an unknown destination inside his ash colour Toyota Highlander with registration number ABJ 180 JQ.”

The Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu, also confirmed the escape of the university lecturer from the kidnappers den.

“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 Police spokesman said.