Professor Adigun Agbaje, of Political Science and former deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan, has narrated how he narrowly escaped death at the hands of his kidnappers.
Agbaje spoke yesterday after regaining his freedom Sunday. He was kidnapped on Friday. After his kidnap, kidnappers demanded N50m ransom.
He said: “I was shot 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.”
The Prof said he was happy to be alive and worried about other kidnapped victims he left in the kidnappers’ den.
He noted: “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 have still left with the kidnappers: two young ladies, two young men and a middle-aged person.”
He added that he was undergoing comprehensive health checks and it might take some time to thank everyone for their concern and assistance.
“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,” said Agbaje.
