The authorities of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), has refuted claims that the sum of N300 million was paid to kidnappers before the release of abducted staff and some members of their families.
Head, information and university relations, Dr Habib Yakoob, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said the victims were rescued following the operations of the combined security forces including the police, Department of State Security Service (DSS), military, and University of Abuja safety officers.
He said university management restated its commitment to providing adequate security to the university community and would continue to work with security operatives to prevent a repeat of that ugly incident.
The statement reads in part, “The three senior staff of the University of Abuja and children who were abducted by suspected bandits from the Giri quarters of the university in the early hours of Tuesday 2nd November 2021 have all been rescued, and doing fine.
“Though the abductors earlier demanded payment of three hundred million naira ransom, our staff were rescued without any payment at all.
“The University management expresses gratitude to God Almighty, the joint forces, including military, DSSS, University of Abuja safety officers for the unconditional release of our staff.
“At the moment, the university community is in wild jubilation as staff and students are congratulating and hugging themselves for this good news.
The management of the University is also grateful to all our staff, well-meaning Nigerians, who empathized with us in that moment of tribulation and trial. Without your relentless prayers and supports, we might still be in a terrible mood,” he stated.
Meanwhile, The chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) University of Abuja Chapter Dr Kasim Umar who confirmed the release, appreciated the Federal Government and security agencies for securing the release of their colleagues.
Dr Umar said the released lecturers and family members were currently undergoing medical checks to ascertain their well being.
He said security at the university has been beefed up to forestall recurrence.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah had earlier taken to the social media to announce the release of the abducted staff and their children, saying God had answered the prayers of the Institution for safe release of the victims.
On the Facebook page of the University, Na’Allah wrote, “Our prayers have been accepted. Please join me in thanking God Almighty. I will provide you with more details later, just to let you know that our UofA family is a happier family today with the resolution of this callous and wicked kidnap of our people.
“As I write, we are on the road to fetch them and get them immediate medical attention to ensure they are sound and strong！
“Our brilliant and indefatigable safety unit and security outfit must be commended. They are deserving of superior awards ！ We are grateful to the team along with the military, the police, the DSS and all who laboured to make this happen.
Our traditional rulers in FCT stood by us and prayed for us and we are grateful to all of them. Allah ya ja zamani Nigeria is forward forever！The UofA of Nigeria cannot be stopped. World Class Standards, Integrity, National Unity！This is the model University”
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UNIABUJA denies payment of N300m ransom to kidnappers of staff. UNIABUJA denies payment of N300m ransom to kidnappers of staff.
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