A former Deputy Vice-Chancellor DVC (Academics) of the University of Ibadan, Professor Adigun Agbaje, who was kidnapped along the Lagos/Ibadan expressway, has been released.
Although, it could not be confirmed if any ransom was paid to secure his release, the former DVC was said to have been released unhurt but undergoing checkup at an undisclosed hospital.
Confirming the development, the Head of Department, Political Science, University of Ibadan, Professor Remi Aiyede said Professor Agbaje was released on Monday after spending the weekend in the den of the kidnappers.
He said: “Prof Agbaje has just been released about few hours ago. He is okay and undergoing medical checkup”
Agbaje, who is on sabbatical at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, was kidnapped on his way to Ibadan at about 6pm on Friday, when the kidnappers blocked his way very close to the Sat Guru Maharaji Garden.
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It could not be confirmed if he was targeted for the kidnap.
Effort to reach the released don proved abortive.
However, he confirmed he had regained his freedom in a statement on social media, thanking several people for the various roles at making the release possible.
He said five other people are still left with the kidnappers, comprising two ladies, two young men and a middle aged person.
The social media message reads: “It’s a new day today (Monday) and I’m happy to be alive. I was released by my kidnappers yesterday evening after spending two nights in the thick forests of Ogun and Oyo states.
“My mind goes to the five others who are still left with the kidnappers: two young ladies, two young men and a middle aged person.
“I was shot at in the head during the abduction process. I thank God that the bullet that went through my car’s windscreen left only a skin deep wound on my head even though it left a gaping hole in the cap I was wearing. I did not even know about this till Saturday morning when I saw caked blood on my cap.
“I am undergoing comprehensive health checks and so it may take some time to thank all my family, including my in-laws, friends and in-laws to my children, my own friends, colleagues and all Nigerians.
“For now I want to thank the following former and current Vice Chancellors of the University of Ibadan: Prof Olufemi Bamiro, Prof Isaac Adewole, Prof Idowu Olayinka and Prof Kayode Adebowale, my colleagues at the University of Ibadan and other Universities at home and abroad, current and former students, including Mr Fisayo Soyombo, for their wonderful support and generosity to my family, top government, military, and other security officials.
“I am quite grateful for all your efforts. You all kept hope alive and ensured that the sensitive negotiations came to a successful end when I regained freedom yesterday evening.
“As stated earlier, my heart goes to those young female undergraduates, the young men and the middle aged person I left behind with the kidnappers. I may not be reachable now but as soon as I get medical clearance from my doctors, I will be thanking all of you personally.”
As at the time of this report, the Oyo Police Command could be reached for reaction on the development.