Gunmen Kidnap University of Calabar's Dean of Law Faculty, Prof. Cyril Ndifon

In a shocking incident, Professor Cyril Ndifon, the embattled Dean of the Law Faculty at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), was abducted from his residence in Akpabuyo, Cross River State, by armed men.

The incident occurred in the early hours of October 5, 2023, when a group of about ten armed individuals reportedly stormed Prof. Ndifon's home in the Akpabuyo suburb of Calabar.

According to a family source, the abduction took place between midnight and 1 a.m., while the household was asleep. The assailants forcefully banged on the door, threatening to break it down if it was not opened. Within moments, they breached the door, entered the residence, and proceeded to Prof. Ndifon's room.

Mrs. Ndifon, the professor's wife, confirmed the abduction in a phone interview, expressing deep concern for her husband's safety and well-being. She stated, "It is true that my husband was abducted this early morning by heavily armed men, and I pray he comes back alive. I don't know what he did to deserve all of this treatment. I simply don't know what to do."

The abduction follows a series of events involving Prof. Cyril Ndifon. Earlier, on August 14, 2023, law school students had staged a protest in front of the Vice Chancellor's office at UNICAL, accusing the former dean of various offenses, including sexual harassment, extortion, and overbearing behavior. Subsequently, the university authorities launched an investigation panel to probe these allegations against Prof. Ndifon, leading to his suspension.

Recently, the investigative panel concluded its work and submitted its findings to Vice Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi. Prof. Obi expressed her commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring that the report would serve as a valuable resource for UNICAL and other universities. She pledged to present the report, "nothing added, nothing taken away," to the ministers of education and women's affairs, as well as the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC).

The circumstances surrounding Prof. Cyril Ndifon's abduction remain unclear, and the authorities are working diligently to secure his safe release while also investigating the incident.