>
Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Some colleagues of the kidnapped former deputy vice chancellor (academic) of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof Adigun Agbaje, have asked for donations from Nigerians in order to raise the N50 million demanded as ransom by his abductors.
Agbaje was kidnapped on Friday evening along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway while coming from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, where he is currently on a sabbatical.
The Oyo State Police Command spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, had earlier confirmed the abduction of the academic.
He also revealed that an officer was killed while another was badly injured during a gun exchange between the abductors and police.
The abductors were said to have contacted Agbaje’s family, demanding N50 million ransom.
On Sunday, a Twitter user, @Dammielawlar, shared details of the bank account belonging to one of Agbaje’s colleagues where contributions for the ransom can be paid.
“This is Professor Agbaje. He was kidnapped at Guru Maharaj yesterday on his way back from OOU where he’s observing his sabbatical. The kidnappers have demanded 50 million naira. Kindly donate to support the effort to procure the release of Prof Agbaje.
“All contributions should be paid to First Bank account no 2004429197. Prof. E. Remi Aiyede Ag HoD Political Science UI. Thank you so much,” she wrote.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Adebowale Williams, has ordered full-scale scientific and technological aided investigations to unravel the events that led to the incident.