Kidnappers have demanded N7 million for the release of Omoniyi Eleyinmi, a staff member of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, who was abducted five days ago.
Eleyinmi, a faculty officer in the university’s Faculty of Education, was reportedly kidnapped in front of his residence at Supare-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area while returning from work.
A source said the victim’s wife, who had stepped out to welcome her husband, narrowly escaped as the abductors shot indiscriminately while taking Eleyinmi away.
A family source disclosed that the kidnappers had earlier contacted the family on Wednesday, allowing the victim to speak briefly with his wife, and initially demanded N100 million.
The source stated, ‘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’.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, had directed tactical commanders to ensure that the victim is rescued unhurt and also to apprehend the perpetrators.
He, however, said 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 called for donations from Nigerians to raise the ransom to fast-track the release of the victim from captivity.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Global Publicity Secretary of the association, Mr O’Seun Ogunsakin.
The statement read in part, ‘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 N7 million.
‘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’.
