Gunmen Abduct Two Adekunle Ajasin University Staff In Ondo State

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of two staff members of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), following an attack by unidentified gunmen on Monday evening.

One of the victims, Omoniyi Eleyinmi, a faculty officer in the Faculty of Education and a member of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), was kidnapped from his residence along Supare-Akoko Road in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area, around 7:00 p.m. on Monday.

Details regarding the identity of the second abducted staff member remain sketchy as of press time.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olushola Ayanlade, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure on Tuesday that operatives have since launched a manhunt to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

“We are aware of the incident and have deployed our men to track down the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the victims. Efforts are ongoing, and we assure the public that justice will be served,” Ayanlade stated.

The abduction has thrown the university community and the town of Akungba-Akoko into panic, as residents and university staff fear for their safety amidst rising cases of kidnapping in the region.

This latest incident adds to the growing list of security breaches in the area, with calls intensifying for both state and federal authorities to bolster security presence and ensure the protection of lives and property, particularly in communities housing tertiary institutions.

“Yes, two AAUA staff were abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

“However, our men responded quickly and were able to rescue one of them.

“The commissioner of police has directed that the rescued individual be debriefed for possible intelligence that may assist in our ongoing efforts to rescue the remaining person,” he said.