‘I Didn’t Know I Was Shot Untill Saturday Morning’ Prof. Agbaje

‘I Didn’t Know I Was Shot Untill Saturday Morning’ Prof. Agbaje

The kidnapped Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adigun Agbaje, who gained his freedom on Sunday evening from his abductors has revealed that he was shot in the head at the point of his abduction, but the bullet wound was only skin deep and did not affect his skull.

Agbaje was on Friday evening, snatched along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway alongside five others who, as at the present moment, were still with their abductors.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Monday morning and signed by the son of Prof. Adigun Agbaje, Adewale Agbaje, stated that his mind went to the five other victims who were still at the kidnappers’ den in the forest between Ogun and Oyo States.

“My father, Prof Adigun Agbaje, recently released by kidnappers, has asked me to issue the statement below on his behalf.

“It’s a new day today and I’m happy to be alive. I was released by my kidnappers yesterday evening after spending two nights in the thick forests of Ogun and Oyo states. My mind goes to the five others who are still left with the kidnappers: two young ladies, two young men and a middle aged person. I was shot at in the head during the abduction process.

“I thank God that the bullet that went through my car’s windscreen left only a skin deep wound on my head even though it left a gaping hole in the cap I was wearing. I did not even know about this till Saturday morning when I saw caked blood on my cap.”

Agbaje appreciated God and those who rose to the occasion of supporting him and his family during the two nights of trauma in the hands of the criminals, saying he would give further details about his experience after being certified okay by his medical doctor.

“I am undergoing comprehensive health checks and so it may take some time to thank all my family, including my in-laws, friends and in-laws to my children, my own friends, colleagues and all Nigerians.

“For now I want to thank the following former and current Vice Chancellors of the University of Ibadan: Prof Olufemi Bamiro, Prof Isaac Adewole, Prof Idowu Olayinka and Prof Kayode Adebowale, my colleagues at the University of Ibadan and other Universities at home and abroad, current and former students, including Mr Fisayo Soyombo, for their wonderful support and generosity to my family, top government, military, and other security officials. I am quite grateful for all your efforts.

“You all kept hope alive and ensured that the sensitive negotiations came to a successful end when I regained freedom yesterday evening. As stated earlier, my heart goes to those young female undergraduates, the young men and the middle aged person I left behind with the kidnappers. I may not be reachable now but as soon as I get medical clearance from my doctors, I will be thanking all of you personally,” he said.