Kidnapped UNN Professor Escapes Captors During Gunfire Exchange with Police

Professor Oguejiofo Ujam, the Dean of the School of General Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), regained his freedom after a police intervention led to an intense gunfire exchange with his captors. The Enugu State Police Command reported that Ujam managed to break free during a confrontation with suspected kidnappers on Monday evening along the Enugu/Opi/Nsukka road.

According to DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Command’s spokesperson, police operatives from Unity Division launched an operation around 7:10 p.m. on October 28, 2024, at the Neke-Uno axis of the Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road after a tip-off. The kidnappers, who had previously abducted Ujam on October 26, abandoned him while fleeing the scene under fire, reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries.

Police recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines with 22 rounds, and a 39-round chain of live ammunition at the scene. The Command assured the public of ongoing operations to track down the suspects and emphasized that further security measures were being enacted along the Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road. Ndukwe dismissed viral rumors about the kidnapping of a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer on the same road, calling it unsubstantiated and intended to incite fear among residents and travelers.

Commissioner of Police Kanayo Uzuegbu has since mobilized additional resources to strengthen security efforts on this critical route, prioritizing traveler safety.