Gunmen abduct Edo varsity prof, demand N18m ransom

Unknown gunmen have abducted Osadolor Odia, a professor of engineering at the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Edo state.

Odia was on his way to the farm at Ekpoma in Esan west LGA on Thursday when he was taken hostage.

NAN quoted a family member as saying his kidnappers contacted them to demand a ransom of N18 million in order to release the professor.

“I can confirm that Odia was kidnapped today on his way to the farm and a ransom of N18 million was demanded by the kidnappers,” the unidentified family member reportedly said.

Edward Aihevba, the university spokesman, also confirmed Odia’s abduction although he could not provide further details about the development.

Chidi Nwabuzor, the state police command spokesman, was not reachable for comments.

The incident is just the latest of the many security challenges Nigeria has been battling in recent months.

In Edo, gunmen had attacked the National Institute of Construction Technology in Uromi, in March, during which they kidnapped a lecturer and two students.

A spokesperson of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in the state was also abducted in January while on her way to church.