By Emmanuel Adeniyi
Gunmen kidnap Benue Poly Rector, others, demand N70m ransom
Gunmen have abducted the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Dr. Emmanuel Barki together with three other staff members of the institution.
According to reports, the acting Rector with two other management staff of the institution and their driver were reportedly kidnapped on their way to Ugbokolo after an official assignment in Makurdi, the state capital on Thursday.
It was gathered that the abductors whisked them away along Otukpo/Otukpa road and abandoned the official vehicle in which they were travelling.
However, one of the victims was said to have been released due to ill health.
A source close to the family of the Rector who did not want to be mentioned said that the kidnappers made contact with the family and demanded N70 million ransom.
At the time the immediate past Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state, Rev. Dr. Augustine Akpen Leva visited the family of the acting rector on Friday he prayed for the immediate release of the victims.
The former CAN chairman called on the state government to improve the security situation of the state so that residents of the state can have a sigh of relief.
The spokesperson for the state command, Catherine Anene confirmed the abduction of the Rector and two others and said that investigation into the matter was ongoing.