‘I Was Shot, 5 Still In Captivity’ – UI Don Speaks After Release

Recently release UI Deputy Vice-Chancellor has thanked Nigerians in a statement released by his son, as he disclosed there were other five students in the kidnapper’s den.

 

Newsonline reports that a professor of political science and former deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Adigun Agbaje, on Monday, thanked Nigerians for their concerns before he was released by kidnappers.

Also: N50m Ransom: UI Starts Fundraising For Kidnapped Ex-Deputy VC, Adigun Agbaje

 

Recall that Prof Agbaje, who is currently on sabbatical at Olabisi Onabanjo University, was on his way to Ibadan at about 6 pm on Friday when kidnappers blocked his way near Sat Guru Maharaji Garden.

The kidnappers reportedly “eliminated some policemen around the scene” before making away with their captives.

 

He regained his freedom on Sunday alongside two students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic amid unconfirmed ransom reports.

In a statement released by his son, Adewale Agbaje, the UI Done said, “It’s a new day today and I’m happy to be alive. I was released by my kidnappers yesterday (Sunday) evening after spending two nights in the thick forests of Ogun and Oyo states. My mind goes to the five others who are still left with the kidnappers: two young ladies, two young men, and a middle-aged person. I was shot in the head during the abduction process.

 

“I thank God that the bullet that went through my car’s windscreen left only a skin-deep wound on my head even though it left a gaping hole in the cap I was wearing. I did not even know about this till Saturday morning when I saw caked blood on my cap.

“I am undergoing comprehensive health checks and so it may take some time to thank all my family, including my in-laws, friends, and in-laws to my children, my friends, colleagues, and all Nigerians.

 

“For now I want to thank the following: former and current vice-chancellors of the University of Ibadan: Prof Olufemi Bamiro, Prof Isaac Adewole, Prof Idowu Olayinka, and Prof Kayode Adebowale, my colleagues at the University of Ibadan and other universities at home and abroad, current and former students, including Mr. Fisayo Soyombo, for their wonderful support and generosity to my family, top government, military, and other security officials.

“I am quite grateful for all your efforts. You all kept hope alive and ensured that the sensitive negotiations came to a successful end when I regained freedom yesterday (Sunday) evening. As stated earlier, my heart goes to those young female undergraduates, the young men, and the middle-aged persons I left behind with the kidnappers. I may not be reachable now but as soon as I get medical clearance from my doctors, I will be thanking all of you personally,” 

 

Recall that some students of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, who were also kidnapped along the Ugwogo /Nsukka road, with a former secretary to the Enugu State government, Dr. Dan Shere, have regained freedom from his abductors.

They were abducted on Thursday alongside other road users and passengers.