by Akan Ido

The vice chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Prof. Cyprian Onyeji, who was kidnapped on August 15, 2012, has been released.

According to reports, the professor was released at about 11:30pm, Thursday, around Igbariam in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The professor was kidnapped by gunmen in-front of the university gate  nine days ago.

Witnesses said a four-man gang of heavily armed abductors intercepted Onyeji while he was about to drive into the school gate. They reportedly shot into the air while the security men stationed at the gate ran for cover. Many students who were within the vicinity also took to their heels.

The Public Relations officer of the Enugu State Police Command, DSP Ebere Amaraizu confirmed Onyeji’s release stating that: “Sketchy details available has it that the vice chancellor was seen around Igbariam axis of Anambra State on 23rd August 2012 at about 2230hrs hale and hearty and has reunited with his family.”

The spokesman of the university, Ossy Ugwuoti, also confirmed the vice chancellor’s release.

It is not clear if the kidnappers were paid a ransom for his release but there were reports of an ransome demand of N200 million which was later reduced by half to N100 million by his abductors.

Activities in the university have grounded to a halt since the kidnap of the vice chancellor nine days ago.