The Deputy Registrar (Institute of Education), of the University of Abuja, Dr. Nura Lawal, was on Thursday kidnapped by unknown gunmen along the now notorious Kaduna-Abuja Highway while returning from Katsina, his home state.

He was kidnapped alongside his wife, who later escaped from their custody. Narrating their ordeal in the hands of the gunmen to members of staff of the university, Mrs. Nura said their vehicle, a Prado SUV, was cornered off the road alongside several other vehicles that were headed to Abuja, after having being flagged down by the kidnappers near Katari village.

She further disclosed that they were all hounded to the bush where both their cars and belongings were taken from them at gunpoint. But she was able to escape and reported to the local police station at Katari who told her that they were helpless about the matter.

Mrs. Lawal also confirmed that the kidnappers later called her and demanded a ransom of N50 Million before they can release her husband. Meanwhile, the University authorities, while confirming the incident, pleaded with security agencies and the Inspector General of Police to assist the institution in securing the release of their staff.
The Deputy Registrar (Information) and spokesman of the University, Malam Garba Waziri, who made the confirmation, told Daily Times that Dr. Lawal, whose promotion is due for confirmation by the university’s Governing Council, has made several contributions to the growth and development of the university especially in his position as the Head of Administration of the Institute of Education.

Recall that the Kaduna –Abuja road has become a dangerous route for motorist and travellers in recent times, prompting the Inspector general of Police to announce the setting up of Police Stations and several checking points at strategic locations to checkmate the scourge but it seems these effort are not yielding the needed result