Abductors Free Benin Medical Professor

PHOTO: UNIVERSITY OF BENIN.

San Francisco, August 28, (THEWILL) – Professor A. N. Onunu, a Professor of Medicine at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), who was kidnapped on Wednesday, August 25, 2010, from his Evbomore, Benin City residence by gunmen has been released.

An SMS from Dr. Alohan, Public Relations Officer, Edo State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to striking doctors announced his release.

"Dear colleagues, this is to happily inform you of the release of Professor Onunu and to thank you for your solidarity and prayers. Clinical services can now resume," the PRO wrote.

THEWILL gathered that the gunmen made an initial demand of N20 million naira but it is unclear whether any ransom was paid.

Medical doctors in UBTH had suspended their services until the professor is released unconditionally. Also, the Edo State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) had directed all doctors in the state to down tools until he is returned.