After two weeks in the grip of kidnappers, respected Nigerian academic and administrator, Prof. Hope Eghagha, is once again a free man.

Prof. Eghagha, the Commissioner of Higher Education in Delta State, South-South Nigeria, announced his freedom in a Facebook post made in the wee hours of today (before 1:00 a.m.) in which he wrote: “Out of the dungeon of kidnappers after sixteen days....Thank God for answered prayers.”

He also thanked “all facebook supporters!” and promised to provide “more (information) later..”

Prof. Eghagha’s release comes less than 24 hours after News Express published assurances by the Delta State Government and the Nigeria Police that every necessary effort was being made to secure the release of Prof. Eghagha, a renowned lecturer in English at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), South-West Nigeria, before his appointment as a commissioner in his home state. 

Reacting late Sunday to increasing worry by Prof. Eghagha’s friends and relatives over the seeming inaction in securing his release, Felix Ofou, a spokesman for the Delta State Government, had said: “Be rest assured that the police, and the Delta State Government are collaborating to ensure that Prof. Eghagha is released unharmed. His life is too precious for anyone to suggest or hint about a cowboy raid. We will continue to pray for his safe return.”

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba, had also earlier promised that Prof. Eghagha would be rescued unhurt, saying: “I am positive that we will get them and rescue the victim,” he said.

Prof. Eghagha (shown in photo) was kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Sunday morning, Sept. 30, along the Agbor/Abraka Road in Delta State after being trailed from neighbouring Warri in a Toyota Camry car by kidnappers. The operation turned out bloody after the kidnappers overtook his vehicle and opened fire, killing his police orderly and injuring his driver before whisking the cerebral scholar away.

The kidnappers reportedly demanded upwards of 100 million naira as ransome but it’s not clear if any was paid to secure his release. Prof. Eghagha has been receiving greetings from friends.

One of them, Alexander Wilcox, wrote on Facebook: “Glory and praises to our God Who eternally reigns. We thank Jehovah & His beloved son, Christ Jesus for this wonderful deliverance given to our brother, Bro (Prof) Hope Eghagha.”

Another, Mattu Tsitse, wrote: “God says in everything, we should give HIM thanks. Accordingly, we thank HIM for your ordeal in the last 16 days, more importantly, that you are alife to tell the story. We cannot thank HIM enough.”

And yet another, Harrison Arubu: “My first prayer on ur case has bin answered: freedom. Now to prayer number 2: dear god may dose boys neva knw peace untill they take their place in jail. Welcom hom prof.”