Gunmen Abduct UNICAL Lecturer, Students

Seven armed men yesterday abducted a lecturer in the School of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar (UNICAL), Dr. Stephen Ndifon.

The gunmen invaded the residential quarters of the university in Calabar, Cross River State, and abducted Ndifon as well as two students of the institution.

It was learnt that the suspected kidnappers, who came in a speedboat through the Obufa Esuk River near the university staff quarters about 4a.m., were shooting indiscriminately before they stormed Ndifon’s house to abduct him and the students. Another lecturer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the students abducted were living in Ndifon’s boys quarters.

He said: “They came in from the water, which is quite close to the residential quarters and shot sporadically to scare away even our security men before invading Dr. Ndifon’s house to kidnap him.”

At press time, the abductors were yet to contact anybody or make demand. The UNICAL Information Officer, Effiong Eyo, said the matter had been reported to the police and investigation was in progress.

Sources said residents usually contribute money to pay some policemen to keep guard around the quarters but were surprised that the gunmen did not meet any resistance during the invasion.

“We usually contribute money to assist the university security men to keep vigil around the quarters because the place is quite desolate and is frequently invaded by thieves and robbers,” one of them said.

At the time of filing this report, no demand has been made by the hoodlums and the Information Officer of the University, Effiong Eyo said the matter has been reported to the police and investigation was in progress.