…Alumni embark on fundraising
Gunmen have demanded a ransom of ₦7 million for the release of Mr. Niyi Eleyinmi, the Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Education at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, who was abducted earlier this week.
Eleyinmi was reportedly kidnapped on Monday evening while returning from work. Witnesses said the assailants, who had laid an ambush at his residence, seized him as he alighted from a commercial motorcycle in Akungba. The attackers, who shot sporadically to scare off residents, whisked him away to an undisclosed location.
A family source revealed that the abductors contacted Eleyinmi’s family on Thursday to negotiate the ransom. The source added that on Wednesday, the kidnappers allowed the victim’s wife to briefly speak with him to confirm that he was still alive.
According to the source, the abductors initially demanded ₦100 million but later reduced the amount to ₦7 million following several pleas and negotiations.
In response, the AAUA Alumni Association, of which Eleyinmi is a member, has launched an urgent fundraising campaign to help secure his release. In a statement issued by the association’s Global Publicity Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin, members and the public were urged to make donations.
“Distinguished Alumni, I am sure most of you have heard about the kidnap of one of us, Niyi Eleyinmi,” the statement read. “The kidnappers have demanded ₦7 million, and we have just 24 hours to raise the sum. Kindly make your donation into the provided account to enable us secure his release.”
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the abduction and said Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal had directed tactical commanders to ensure Eleyinmi’s safe rescue and to apprehend those behind the crime.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered that the victim must be rescued unharmed and that all suspects connected to the abduction be brought to justice. We are on top of the situation and will not relent,” Ayanlade assured.
Ondo State has in recent months witnessed a surge in abduction cases despite security efforts. In June, two AAUA students were kidnapped and later killed, a development that sparked outrage on campus. More recently, a female student was found dead in a male student’s room in Akungba, prompting protests from students.
The police have continued to maintain their stance against ransom payment, insisting that their priority is to secure victims’ release through tactical operations.
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