By Francis Sadhere
Kidnapped Delta State University lecturer, Dr. Nyerohovwo Tonukari has been released in the early hours of yesterday after 45 torturous days in the hands of his kidnappers.
His released came barely 24 hours after ASUU, DELSU chapter, staged a peaceful protest at the Government House, Asaba and the office of the Delta State Police Commissioner, to register their displeasure over the kidnap of their colleagues 44 days ago.
Vice Chancellor of DELSU, Prof. Eric Arubayi and chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, DELSU Chapter, Prof. Abel Diakparomre confirmed to journalist that Dr. Tonukari was dropped somewhere around the bushes of Orogun town in Delta State.
Prof. Diakparomre said he got a call from Dr. Tonukari’s wife who confirmed to him that her husband was has been released and that he has been taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical treatment.
He said: “I have not made any physical contact with him but I have personally spoken with the wife who confirmed to me that he was delivered at home last night.”
He added that he was not aware if any ransom was paid before Dr. Tonukari’s release and he pleaded with the kidnappers to equally release his younger brother that was kidnapped with him.
The ASUU, DELSU Chairman said they were worried at the rate at which their colleagues were being kidnapped, noting that in the last three years five of their colleagues have been kidnapped.
While expressing happiness over the release of Dr. Tonukari, Prof. Arubayi who was presiding over a council meeting yesterday at the university’s senate chamber, took a break to explain to journalists how happy they were that their colleague was released unharmed.
