The Abia State Police Command said it has commenced a rescue operation to free abducted deputy vice-chancellor of the Abia State University (ABSU), Professor Godwin Emezue.
A press statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) ASP Maureen Chinaka LLB ANIPR on Saturday, January 27, stated that efforts were being diligently coordinated to rescue the victim from the abductors.
The statement partly read:
“On 26/01/2024, at about 9.30pm, the Abia State Police Command received information that on the same date, at about 7pm, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Uturu ABSU, Professor Godwin Emezue, while in the company of his wife in their vehicle, was abducted by hoodlums while purchasing fuel at a petrol station in Umuekwu Amachara, Umuahia South LGA, Abia State.
“During the incident, the hoodlums confiscated his wife’s ATM card, dragged the Deputy Vice-Chancellor into a Lexus SUV, and drove away with the victim.
“The Abia State Police Command is deploying resources and assets including intelligence and technical aid towards unravelling the crime, and safely rescuing the victim from his captors.”
The statement further urged residents of the state to remain calm, and maintain a strong sense of security around them.
“We urge Abians to remain calm and continue their legitimate activities while maintaining vigilance and being security conscious.
“Furthermore, we seek the cooperation of the public, especially by way of providing any useful information that could be helpful in these particular circumstances, and in attaining enhanced security in the state, generally,” it read.
News Central reports that Professor Emezue was whisked away in a Lexus SUV by some yet-to-be-identified armed men at about 7:00 pm on Friday night . He was purchasing fuel at a petrol station in the company of his wife.
The university registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu confirmed the incident to journalists on Saturday morning, adding that the police had commenced operation to rescue the university don.