Guardian

PHARMACISTS under the aegis of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) have decried the poor security arrangement in the country with regards to the protection of lives and properties.

They made the statement while calling on the Federal Government, Governors of the South Eastern States, and security agencies to facilitate the immediate release of the Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Technology, Professor Cyprian Onyeji.

Onyeji, a pharmacist and active member of PSN, was abducted on Wednesday, August 15, at the gate of the University as he was being driven to his office.

In a statement by its National President, Azubuike Okwor, PSN said: “The attention of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria has been drawn to the unfortunate kidnap of the Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Technology, Professor Cyprian Onyeji, a seasoned Pharmacist and an astute administrator.

“We learnt he was abducted at the gate of the University as he was being driven to his office.

This incident yet again brings to light the poor security apparatus in place with regards to the protection of lives and properties in our country. We are also disturbed at the new wave of attacks where pharmacists have become targets of assassins, kidnappers and gunmen in the South-east part of the country.

“Last month, a lady pharmacist miraculously escaped from the grip of kidnappers in one of the States in the South East. For the records, Professor Cyprian Onyeji is a hard working Vice Chancellor who has brought changes and sustainable reforms to the Enugu State University.

“While we call on the Federal and Enugu State Government to facilitate the immediate release of this eminent Nigerian, we appeal to the Governors of the South East and Security Agencies to do more to stem the worsening cases of kidnapping in the zone.”