Gunmen Abduct UNICAL Lecturer

University of Calabar (UNICAL) lecturer Dr. Roland Ipuole, from the Faculty of Law was kidnapped by gunmen on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Calabar, the state capital.

The Cross River State Command has stated that attempts are on to recover the kidnapped lecturer.

He and two other people were taken away at State Housing in Ekong while attending an executive meeting of the Om’tuche Ayi’ala social initiative.

A source told CrossRiverWatch that the abductors attacked the victims and took their phones, Automated Teller Machine cards with pins, and other valuables.

Some of the detainees, including Mr. Dominic Ogri, were eventually released.

An eyewitness characterised the incident as horrific.

“We were held hostage for more than 30 minutes, with no intervention or interruptions by security agencies. When coming back, I saw them collecting money from drivers and other road users. We are finished in this country,” the witness lamented.

SP Irene Ugbo, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the kidnapping on Thursday, May 23, and stated that all hands are on deck to achieve his release.

“Yes, we are aware of it and efforts are on gear to rescue him. Our men are on it. It was a sad incident that happened at State Housing. We are also working with the DSS and we hope very soon he will be released,” the PPRO stated.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli