2nd June, 2010
Unidentified gunmen in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, have abducted Dr. Emmanuel Agbokhai, a lecturer in the Ecological Department, Faculty of Life Science, University of Benin.
Following the incident, his colleagues went on strike today and vowed not to return to the classroom until he is freed.
P.M.NEWS gathered that the ecologist was kidnapped at the state capital near the Uniben Guest House, Benin City while tending to his plants. His abduction became known on Tuesday.
Similarly, a female Physics teacher at Western Boys College, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City was kidnapped on Monday by unknown gunmen. It was gathered that her husband was recently abducted and was released after the payment of a N250,000 ransom.
When P.M.NEWS visited the Uniben Campus this morning, students were seen in groups discussing the ugly development.
It was gathered that the Uniben branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have started negotiation with the kidnappers who have demanded a N25 million ransom before they will free Dr. Agbokhai.
ASUU therefore called for a solidarity boycott of lectures by lecturers in all universities nationwide to press for the release of Agbokhai.
Contacted, the Public Relations Officer of Uniben, Mr. H. O. Osarenren confirmed the kidnap incident as well as the N25 million demanded by the lecturer’s captors.
Meanwhile, students of the Western Boys College, Benin City have taken to the streets to protest the kidnap of their female Physics teacher.
However, they were prevented from their action by a team of policemen who feared their action may lead to break down of law and order.
When the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Edo State, ASP Peter Ogboi was contacted on phone by P.M.NEWS several times, he did not pick his calls.
—Yomi Obaditan/Benin