Kidnappers holding Omoniyi Eleyinmi, a staff member of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, have demanded N7 million for his release, five days after his abduction.
Eleyinmi, who serves as the Faculty Officer in the university’s Faculty of Education, was reportedly taken in front of his home at Supare-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area while returning from work. His wife, who had stepped out to welcome him, narrowly escaped as the abductors fired shots before whisking him away.
A family source said the abductors first contacted the family on Wednesday, allowing the victim to speak briefly with his wife.
The source added, “The abductors initially demanded a sum N100 million ransom, but after an appeal by the family it was later reduced to N7million. On Wednesday, they allowed him to speak with his wife.”
Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, had directed tactical commanders to secure the victim’s release and apprehend those responsible. He, however, noted that 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,” the PPRO stated.
Meanwhile, the AAUA Alumni Association, to which the victim belongs, has launched an appeal for donations to help raise the ransom.
In a statement signed by its Global Publicity Secretary, Mr O’Seun Ogunsakin, the association said:
“Distinguished Alumni, I am sure that the majority of you must have heard the news of the kidnapping of one of us, Niyi Eleyinmi, who is the Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Education, AAUA.
“Eleyinmi was kidnapped on Monday, and the kidnappers have demanded a sum of N7million.
“It is on this note that I want to passionately appeal to you to donate towards securing the safe release of Niyi from his captors.
“We have just 24 hours to raise the aforementioned sum.”
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