Prof. Godwin Emezue, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration at Abia State University (ABSU), has been freed after being held captive for 11 days by kidnappers, as reported by ABN TV.
Prof. Emezue was abducted on January 26, 2024, at a fuel station within Umuahia North LGA in Abia State and was taken away by his captors. His release came on Tuesday night, following the payment of a 25 million Naira ransom by his family, a stipulation set by the kidnappers for his freedom.
Initially, the kidnappers demanded a 35 million Naira ransom from his family but threatened his life after the family offered 5 million Naira in a plea for mercy. The kidnappers, having shared videos displaying their torture of the professor, insisted on a payment of 20 million Naira by the end of Saturday to spare his life. In response to this harrowing situation, the family, with support from friends and the Abia State University community, managed to gather the demanded sum and paid it to the kidnappers, who had cautioned against contacting security forces.
Subsequently, the kidnappers requested an additional 5 million Naira, claiming they had been ordered to execute him but expressed reluctance to proceed with such action in the New Year. The family, with aid from friends and the university, succeeded in raising the additional funds, which were then forwarded to the kidnappers.