Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam, a senior lecturer at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), was abducted by gunmen on Sunday morning while traveling along the Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road, a route known for incidents of kidnapping. Prof. Ujam, who is the Dean of the School of General Studies at UNN, was reportedly taken while driving on this dangerous stretch of road.
The professor’s kidnapping follows a similar incident just a day earlier, when Emeason Chima, an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), was abducted along the same route. The close timing of these incidents has heightened fears among residents and travelers in the area.
As of now, there are few details about the circumstances surrounding Prof. Ujam’s abduction, and it remains unclear whether the gunmen have made any contact with his family to demand a ransom. “We have not yet received any calls or demands from the kidnappers,” a source close to the family shared, expressing concern for the professor’s safety.
Prof. Ujam is a respected member of the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry at UNN, and his disappearance has sent shockwaves through the academic community. Many colleagues and students are anxious for news of his safety, as authorities work to gather information about the incident.
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Efforts to reach the Enugu State Police Command for a statement have so far been unsuccessful, as calls to the spokesperson have gone unanswered. The lack of official information has left many in the community worried, as the police’s silence raises concerns about their ability to respond to the growing insecurity on the road.
The Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road, where these recent abductions took place, has become a hotspot for kidnappers in recent months. Locals and frequent travelers have repeatedly expressed concerns about the dangers of the route, urging the government and law enforcement to increase patrols and security measures in the area. Yet, incidents like Prof. Ujam’s kidnapping continue to occur, leaving many to question the safety of those who must use the road for their daily activities.
“This road has become a nightmare for us. People are afraid to travel here because they never know what will happen,” lamented a resident of the area who wished to remain anonymous. “We need the government to take action before more lives are affected.”