The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration of Abia State University, Prof Godwin Emezue, has been freed after enduring 11 harrowing days in captivity, IgbereTV reports.
Prof Godwin Emezue was abducted on January 26, 2024, while at a fueling station in Umuahia North LGA, Abia State. His captors, after demanding a ransom, released him on Tuesday night, following the payment of 25 million Naira by his family.
Initially, the kidnappers demanded 35 million Naira, but the family managed to negotiate down to 25 million Naira. Despite pleading with a cash offer of 5 million Naira, the kidnappers threatened to harm him.
The kidnappers, in a distressing display, shared footage of their mistreatment of the professor, and issued a deadline for the remaining 20 million Naira to be paid before the end of Saturday. The family, in a race against time, gathered the funds and handed them over, while being warned against involving security agencies.
Even after complying with the demands, an additional 5 million Naira was demanded, with the threat of violence looming. With the collective support of family, friends, and the Abia State University community, the funds were raised and sent to secure Prof Emezue’s release once again.
