Shooting at UNIABUJA staff quarters lasted over two hours, says witness

Godwin Okaneme, a lecturer at the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), says there was shooting at the university staff quarters for more than two hours before staff members were abducted.

The gunmen had attacked the school in the early hours of Tuesday and abducted six persons — including four staff members.

Speaking with TheCable, Okaneme, who witnessed the incident, said the abductors arrived the quarters around 12:30am.

“I saw some movement on our street inside the staff quarters, but I initially mistook them for the university’s security operatives. However, I became tense when some gunshots were released by these people,” he said.

“There was sporadic shooting for over two hours. Subsequently, some houses belonging to our colleagues were attacked. My neighbour, professor Joseph Obansa of economics, was abducted with his son. My other neighbour, engineer Ferguson Tobins of faculty of engineering, was also abducted. Mallam Sambo, a senior non-academic staff, was also abducted.

“Two teenagers were also abducted. One was the son of one of our professors here. His name is Tete Bassey. The other is the househelp of professor Bassey. We’re praying to God for their safe return.”

Also speaking with TheCable, Fidelis Obansa, son of the abducted professor, said he and a few other persons were freed by the abductors shortly after they were initially taken away.

“I was taken to a certain distance, then they allowed us to go. I don’t know how many were taken, but we were many,” he said.

Emmanuel Tobins, son of an abducted staff member, said the gunmen were yet to contact the family.

“That’s what we’re waiting for so we can talk to him and know that he’s fine. Gwagwalada council area chairman was here earlier; the vice-chancellor was here as well. Also, army and police officers were also here and they’ve promised to do their best to ensure that he and others that were abducted will be returned safely,” he said.