Kidnappings: Nigeria may become a failed state – ASUU

WORRIED by the non-release of its member, Dr. Memfin Ekpo, the kidnapped husband of the University of Uyo Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Comfort Ekpo, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNIUYO branch, on Monday said that Nigeria might become a failed state like Somalia if kidnapping was not stopped by the Federal Government.

Ekpo, an Associate Professor of Pathology, was abducted during a church service at Good News International Church in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on January 16, 2011 around 11am. That was 17 days ago.

ASUU in an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, through a paid advertorial, appealed to the Federal Government to address kidnappings and violence in the country.

The union called on the government to be proactive in its fight against kidnapping in the country, particularly Akwa Ibom State.

“Unless various levels of government and security agencies show sufficient resolve in completely terminating the huge lucrative dividends accruing from abduction business, this country may become a failed state like Somalia.


“We are concerned that the incessant abduction of our members will do incalculable damage to the image and growth of our university. At a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract and retain reputable academics, the abduction of our members is not in the best interest of our university.

“While we appreciate that the menace of abduction has become a national malaise, we are not aware of any other state where academic staff in Universities have been targeted in the large proportion as we have had in our University. We cannot explain this situation,” the union said.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen. M. Abubakar, told Edo citizens to expect reduction in kidnapping, armed robbery and other activities inimical to peaceful existence, saying that men of the newly reactivated Operation Thunderstorm in the state were prepared to fight the crimes.

Abubakar spoke in Benin during the inauguration of the resuscitated joint military-police taskforce on Monday.

Abubakar, said his men were prepared to flush criminals out from their hideouts and make the place peaceful.

The joint patrol team was suspended last year when one of its members died in a fracas among its ranks.

Abubakar said, “It is heartening that after the unfortunate incidence of February 11, when the operation was suspended, that we are all witnessing its reactivation. These men here are prepared with all their heart, all their zeal to smoke out all the kidnappers and hoodlums from their dens. And, I believe you’re witnessing a downturn in insecurity in Edo State.”

Governor Oshiomhole, who inaugurated the outfit’s new vehicles, communication gadgets and other materials, thanked the army chief and President Goodluck Jonathan for facilitating the reactivation of joint patrol team in Edo State, saying the gesture signposted newness in relationship between the armed forces and men of the police force.