Gunmen Abduct Two Adekunle Ajasin University Staff in Ondo, One Rescued by Police
Two staff members of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), were abducted by gunmen on Monday evening from their residence in Akungba-Akoko, a town located in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State. The incident has sparked fresh concern over the state of security in the region.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Ondo State, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, confirmed the abduction on Tuesday in Akure. He disclosed that the police had already launched a manhunt to track down the abductors and rescue the victims.
Ayanlade stated that one of the two kidnapped university staff had already been rescued through the swift intervention of police operatives.
“Yes, two AAUA staff were abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers. However, our men responded quickly and were able to rescue one of them.
The Commissioner of Police has directed that the rescued individual be debriefed for possible intelligence that may assist in our ongoing efforts to rescue the remaining person,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria identified one of the victims as Omoniyi Eleyinmi, who serves as a faculty officer in the Faculty of Education at AAUA.
He is also a member of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU). Eleyinmi was reportedly abducted around 7:00 p.m. on Monday from his residence situated along Supare-Akoko Road in Akungba-Akoko.
The identity of the second staff member has not yet been publicly disclosed. Security operatives are continuing their search and rescue mission in the area as of the time of reporting.
The incident adds to a growing list of abductions and violent crimes plaguing the state and other parts of Nigeria, especially in university communities.
Residents have called on authorities to strengthen security presence in Akoko and surrounding areas to forestall future occurrences.
The university has yet to issue an official statement, but staff and students are said to be anxious and disturbed by the situation.
