Uniport Prof. Kidnapped by gun men

Reports say Professor John Okorie, of the Engineering Faculty, University of Port Harcourt has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

It was gathered that the lecturer was kidnapped on his way home at close of work yesterday.

A source at the University, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent, said the kidnappers had not made contact with either the family of the victim or the UNIPORT management.

The Public Relations Officer of the University, William Wodi said Professor Okorie is the Director of the Offshore Technology Institute at the University.

Wodi complained that the kidnapping of lecturers at the University had become rampant and was adversely affecting the academic environment on campus.

He said members of staff who resided on campus now lived in fear, while overseas scholars who usually collaborated with the institution were now unwilling because of security concern.

The UNIPORT spokesman called on security agencies to step up surveillance around the university campus to protect life and property.