The recent kidnapping at the University of Abuja, according to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Muhammad Bello, was meticulously orchestrated with the purpose of attracting notoriety.
During an early morning attack on the university’s staff quarters last month, gunmen seized six people, including two professors, a deputy registrar, and three family members.
The victims were eventually set free.
According to Anthony Ogunleye, the minister’s Chief Press Secretary, the crime was committed in order to cast doubt on the security in place in the nation’s capital.
During a courtesy visit, the minister was cited as saying this to members of the Governing Council of the University of Abuja, led by its Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, Prof Ahmed Muhammed.
The statement was titled, ‘FCT minister cautions against building without proper approvals within the territory’.
It read in part, “Speaking on the recent kidnap of some staff of the university by armed men, the minister commended the university authorities, especially the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah, for the roles they played in solving the crime.
“He said the kidnap attempt was a well-planned attack targeted at the city of Abuja and it was the intention of the criminals to get maximum publicity owing to the strategic nature of the city and raise doubts as to the security situation within the nation’s capital.
“As a result of cracking that case, the minister added that several other planned attacks were prevented from being executed.”
Ada Peter
