Bandits, in the early hours of yesterday, invaded the University of Abuja staff quarters and abducted four lecturers and some of their children.
The gunmen were said to have stormed the staff quarters in Giri and held lecturers hostage.
The development created panic in the university community, which is about 20 minutes’ drive to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
An alert message to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) reads in part: “Good morning, Comrades, Prof. Obansa and his son, Prof Oboscolo, son and daughters, Mall Sambo Mohammed and Dr. Tobins were kidnapped in Giri University Staff Quarters. Pls we need your prayers for their safe return.”
“Suspected bandits attacked the staff quarters of the university in the early hours of today (yesterday). Our safety officers, in conjunction with security personnel, mobilised to secure the quarters. We have report that four of our staff and their children were, nevertheless, abducted by the evil men.
“Efforts are being made to ensure their safe return. A sad day for us, indeed!”
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, in 2020, complained about the presence of bandits in the university community.
The VC had in a statement issued by the Head, Information and University Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob said staff and students were “living in fear of bandits.”
“The truth is that this great university is in trouble right now. I say this because we have all sorts of people who are living on the campus, who are using the land without respect for the environment.
“It is worse now because bandits are coming in and taking over land both within staff residences and outside. Our students are being attacked; we are living in fear of bandits. Some of the indigenes give land to these bandits without really knowing them.”
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