Kidnapped lecturer at the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State, Herbert Batta, a professor in the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, has regained his freedom.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the lecturer known for being critical of socio-economic challenges and a social commentator on local, national and international issues, was kidnapped Tuesday afternoon while returning from a trip outside the state.
One of his former students had raised the alarm on Tuesday evening about the kidnapping of the university lecturer.
“Professor Herbert Batta, is reported to have been kidnapped at Owerri in Imo State while returning from a trip yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon.
“Our security agencies need step up efforts. Prof. has been a great blessing to generations of communication scholars and researchers.
“His freedom would mean so much to the academic world and the society at large. May God Almighty ensure his safety and facilitate his freedom.”
However, a colleague of the abducted university don in same faculty, Professor Charles Obot, broke the cheering news of his freedom on Wednesday, disclosing that Prof. Batta had been rescued and was currently kept at a police station in Owerri.
“My colleague and brother, Professor Herbert Batta who was kidnapped yesterday (Tuesday) in Owerri on his way back from a trip, has just spoken with me from a Police Station in Owerri after being released or rescued.
“As at the time of speaking to you now, he was still at the Police station, and he delegated me to give this update on his behalf,” Prof. Obot, declared.
The report has been greeted with excitement from students and colleagues at the Nwaniba main campus and Ikpa Road town campus of the university.