Father in Tears as Kidnappers Refuse to Release University of Uyo Final-Year Student after ₦500,000 Ransom Payment

Matilda Omonaiye/

A distraught father is appealing for help after kidnappers allegedly refused to release his son despite collecting a ransom of ₦500,000.

The victim, Utibe Aniefiok Assian, a 400-level Theatre Arts student of the University of Uyo, was reportedly abducted on December 3, 2025.

Family sources said the young undergraduate, who hails from Obio Etoi in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was taken by unknown gunmen under circumstances that remain unclear.

According to information circulating among concerned community members and friends, the kidnappers later contacted the family and demanded a ransom for his release.

After desperate efforts to secure the student’s freedom, the family reportedly paid ₦500,000, hoping the payment would guarantee his release.

However, several weeks after the ransom was paid, the abductors allegedly failed to release the victim, leaving the family in anguish and uncertainty over his fate.

The development has triggered growing concern among residents and students of the University of Uyo, who are now calling on security agencies to urgently intervene.

The victim’s father, who is reportedly devastated by the situation, is appealing to members of the public and security authorities to assist with information that could lead to his son’s rescue.

Anyone with useful information about the whereabouts of the missing student is urged to contact the following numbers:
09067191670, 08033802016, 08108131394.

Concerned individuals have also called on the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and other security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the student and bring those responsible for the abduction to justice.

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