Unilag Wants Eghagha Freed

Following the kidnap of Professor Hope Eghagha, members of the Academic Union of Universities, ASUU, University of Lagos Chapter, have made their position known. An official statement signed by its chairman, Dr. Karo Ogbinaka reads thus:

“The attention of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, University of Lagos Branch has been drawn to the recent kidnap incident of which one of our members – Prof Hope Eghagha, Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education – is a victim.

“His personal aide was reported to have been killed and his driver critically injured from gun attacks. This is not the best of stories to tell at a time the Nation is celebrating her 52 years of political independence.

“ASUU, Unilag extends her condolences and sympathy to the affected families – of the killed and injured.

“Meanwhile, we call on the kidnappers to release Prof Hope Eghagha in good stead and health. He was called from his academic chores here in the University of Lagos to serve his community.

His plight is most uncalled for and regrettable. We also implore the Delta State government and the Police to secure the citizens of Delta State that is fast becoming the hub of kidnappers; especially of Academics and high profile persons in government and or their close relatives.

“It is now obvious that the so-called security in Delta State is more imagined than real. Delta State seems to be more secure on the media space than on the streets. The government of the State should as a matter of urgency redress this gory state of affairs.

“We request that concerted efforts should be made to safely secure the release and freedom of Prof Hope Eghagha, an academic, playwright and poet.