Gunmen Kidnap University of Calabar Lecturer, Two Other Students

Symptomatic of pervading insecurity and kidnappings in Nigeria, unknown gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday, 03/05/2016 reportedly invaded the University of Calabar, UNICAL staff premises and kidnapped a lecturer, one Dr Stephen Ndifon of the School of Medical Sciences and two other students. The victims were taken to an unknown destination.

Sources at the University of Calabar hinted that the gunmen numbering about seven arrived in speed boat from the Obufa Esuk River which adjoins the university staff quarters at about 4.00am in the morning and shot intermittently in all directions to scare people away before kidnapping the lecturer and the two students.

“They came in from the water which is quite close to the residential quarters and shot sporadically scaring away even our security men before invading Doctor Ndifon’s place to kidnap him and the students staying in his boys quarters”. Emmanuel Jones, a colleague of the lecturer said.

According to the source, residents regularly contribute money to pay some policemen to keep guard around the staff premises but was surprised that the abductors met no iota of resistance from the security agents during the operation. 

He said:“We usually contribute money to assist the university security men to keep vigil around the quarters because the place is quite desolate and is frequently invaded by thieves and robbers”.

At the time of filing this report, no demand for ransom has been made. The Information Officer of the University, Effiong Eyo said the matter has been reported to the police and investigation was in progress.