Benin Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Prof. Monday Igbafen, Escapes from Kidnappers
Prof. Monday Igbafen, the Benin zonal coordinator of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), escaped from kidnappers after being abducted outside his home on Saturday night. Gunmen seized him while he was entering his ash Toyota Highlander SUV and fled the scene with the vehicle. The Edo State Police, led by Superintendent of Police Moses Yamu, confirmed Igbafen's escape on Monday, attributing it to the pressure applied by police operatives on the kidnappers.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Prof. Monday Igbafen, the Benin zonal coordinator of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has made a remarkable escape from his kidnappers after being abducted on Saturday night at approximately 9 p.m. The incident occurred as Igbafen was arriving home in his ash Toyota Highlander SUV, bearing the registration number ABJ 180 JQ.
The assailants seized Igbafen outside his residence and subsequently fled the scene in his vehicle, taking him to an undisclosed location. Following the abduction, the Edo State Police launched a coordinated effort to locate the kidnappers and secure Igbafen's release.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Moses Yamu, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the news of Igbafen's escape on Monday. He stated that the operatives of the Ekpoma Division of the Edo Police Command applied significant pressure on the kidnappers, which ultimately led to the victim’s successful escape.
Yamu emphasized the police’s commitment to apprehending the suspects involved in the kidnapping, stating, “We are on the trail of the suspected criminals to ensure that they are apprehended and brought to book.”
At the time of reporting, attempts to reach Prof. Igbafen via his MTN and GLO phone numbers were unsuccessful. Details regarding his ordeal in captivity and the circumstances surrounding his escape remain undisclosed.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, particularly regarding the safety of prominent figures in educational institutions. The ASUU and the wider community continue to express concern over the increasing number of kidnappings affecting academic staff and the urgent need for enhanced security measures.
