The abductors of Omoniyi Eleyinmi, a member of staff of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, have demanded a ransom of N7 million to release their victim.

Eleyinmi, a faculty officer in the institution’s Faculty of Education, was abducted five days ago while returning to his residence in Supare-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Council Area of the state from work.

The gunmen had before his arrival stormed his residence, after which he was seized amid sporadic gunshots while alighting from the commercial motorcycle he rode on from Akungba.

According to a family source, the kidnappers, who made contact with Eleyinmi’s family on Thursday for the ransom, had on Wednesday allowed the wife of the victim to briefly speak with him to verify that he is alive.

The source disclosed that the kidnappers had initially demanded N100 million ransom, but it was later reduced to N7 million after a series of pleas and negotiations.

Following the development, the Alumni Association of AAUA, where Eleyinmi also graduated from, has called for donations from Nigerians to meet the demanded ransom and immediately secure the release of the victim from captivity.

In a statement, the Global Publicity Secretary of the association, O’Seun Ogunsakin stated that timely donations would go a long way in ensuring that Eleyinmi reunites with his family hale and hearty.

The statement reads in parts: “Distinguished Alumni, I am sure that the majority of you must have heard the news of the kidnap of one of us, Niyi Eleyinmi, who is the Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Education, AAUA.

“Eleyinmi was kidnapped on Monday, and the kidnappers have demanded N7 million. It is on this note that I want to passionately appeal to you to donate towards securing the safe release of Eleyinmi from his captors. We have just 24 hours to raise the aforementioned sum. Kindly make your donation into the account below: Polaris Bank, 1011167606, Akinwande Joyce Morenikeji. May God help us as we make the donation.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has directed tactical commanders to ensure that the victim is rescued unhurt as well as apprehend those involved in the abduction.