Professor Oguejiofo Ujam, the Dean of School of General Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, reportedly escaped from his captors amid police gunfire on Monday evening along the Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road.
The Enugu State Police Command has announced on Tuesday that it’s operatives successfully thwarted a suspected kidnapping attempt, enabling Ujam’s escape.
The incident reportedly occurred around 7:10 p.m. at the Neke-Uno axis, according to a statement from the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe.
The statement detailed that police officers attached to the Unity Division intercepted the suspected kidnappers, leading to a fierce gun duel that forced the assailants to flee.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that Professor Ujam, a senior lecturer in the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, had been abducted on Sunday, October 26, 2024, while travelling along the Opi-Ugwuogo-Abakpa Nike Road.
Ndukwe,said that his escape came after an intense exchange of gunfire between the suspects and the police, which prompted the abductors to abandon him in their attempt to evade law enforcement.
He added that during the encounter, the suspected kidnappers left behind significant evidence, including an AK-47 rifle, two magazines loaded with 22 rounds of ammunition, and an additional 39 live rounds.
The items are now in police custody as the Command intensifies its efforts to track down the fugitives, who are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
Following the incident, DSP Ndukwe provided further clarification on speculations surrounding the safety of the Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road.
Addressing rumours circulating online, Ndukwe dispelled reports that an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) travelling from Benue State had also been abducted on the same route.
“The Command refutes viral reports alleging the kidnapping of an FRSC officer.
He said “no such incident has been recorded anywhere in Enugu State, urging the public to disregard what he termed as “scaremongering.”
Additionally, DSP Ndukwe assured residents and travellers that the Command is taking steps to reinforce security along the route, describing reports of its alleged insecurity as unfounded.
To enhance safety, Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu has ordered the deployment of more personnel and resources to support “overt and covert police operations” along the Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road.
The police spokesperson concluded by urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“The Enugu State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and road users in the state. We call on the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”
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