Kidnapped Unical 3 Released

3 persons kidnapped from the staff quarters of University of Calabar (UNICAL) have regained their freedom after spending 10 days in the underworld.

Dr. David Iniama and wife and Daughter of Dr. Wilfred Ndifon were kidnapped on May Day holiday by a group of gun men who raided Unical staff quarters at around 8PM. After they were kidnapped, the gunmen made away with their human-booty with a ready speed boat. They took through the Qua River which shares boundary with the University campus via the Staff Quarters region.

Dr. David is the son of Barr. Iniama who is the Deputy Registrar of Unical Graduate School while Dr. Wilfred Ndifon is a lecturer in the Unical Medical Collage.

The gunmen, numbering about 9, raided Unical staff quarters, shooting sporadically into the air. There was no report of bullet injuries after the operation.

The hoodlums who troubled the peace of staff quarters for a period of not less than 20 minutes were unchallenged by security personnel around the area including the Unical security team and a group of policemen who were contracted by the residents to assist the security of the quarters.

After 10 days of abduction, the Unical 3 were released to join their families who had been engaged in intensive prayers.

In a chat with our correspondent, Barr. Iniama expressed appreciation to God for the return of his son, Dr. David Iniama to the family. “We thank God that our loved ones have rejoined us. I have nothing much to say but to give glory to God”.

Barr. Iniama refused to make comments regarding ransom paid for release, negotiations following to the release of the abductees.

The residence of Dr. Ndifon was under lock and key when our correspondent visited.

However, English Puppies (baby dogs) were seen chained to the corridors of most lecturers who reside in the quarters. There are indications that the puppies were acquired recently to assist keep the quarters secure. The university management is yet to approve the use of pets in the University environment.
Our correspondents were not informed if the University management played any role in the negotiation and release of the abductees.

Meanwhile, there were indications that the security around the staff quarters area of the University has been beefed up following the incident. When our reporters visited, security officials were seen around the axis.