Some gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted one Dr Obi Ilo and his son, Kamsy in Enugu State.
Ilo, President of the Enugu chapter of the Alumni Association of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), was reportedly kidnapped on Sunday at Nvene near Four Corners Junction along with his son.
The victims were said to be returning from Nachi in the Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State when the incident happened.
Confirming the abduction, an ESUT alumnus, Dr Maxwell Ngene, described it as “cruel and inhumane”, adding that Ilo recently lost his wife.
He said Ilo’s wife had not even been buried.
Ngene in a statement issued on Monday, stated, “We are deeply concerned and shocked to announce the kidnapping of Dr. Obi Ilo, the President of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), and his son Kamsy Ilo, a Computer Science student of ESUT.
“This heinous act occurred yesterday at Nvene near Four Corners Junction, as they were returning from Nachi in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
“Tragically, Dr. Ilo recently lost his wife, and her corpse is still at the Eastern Nigeria Hospital Enugu. This senseless act of violence has added to the family’s already unimaginable grief.
“The kidnappers, who have shown no regard for human life, are demanding a ransom of 20 million naira. In a distressing phone call, Dr. Ilo was heard crying and pleading for help, urging colleagues, friends, and brothers to be contacted.
“We condemn this cruel and inhumane act in the strongest possible terms. We appeal to the security agencies and the government to take immediate action to ensure the safe release of Dr. Ilo and his son.
“We also call on the public to provide any information that may lead to the rescue of the victims.
“Let us come together to support the Ilo family during this difficult time and work towards ensuring their safe return.”
A family source who spoke on condition of anonymity also confirmed the abduction, saying, “This morning met us with the kidnapping of our own Dr Obi Ilo (Onwa Nachi ) and his son Kamsi along Nneve just before 4 Corner Junction on his way from village around 5pm yesterday.
“So far the kidnappers have contacted the family and made a demand of 50m to release father and son. They have been calling and asking for money as I type. I was called by the mediator. Time is of the essence and help most needed.
“His car has been recovered and with the authority.”
Meanwhile, efforts made by BELLNEWS to get the reaction of the police were unsuccessful as the Command’s spokesman DSP Dan Ndukwe did not answer his calls at the time of filing this report.