On April 9, 2022, armed individuals attacked and abducted professor Ovaborhene Idamoyibo, the head of the music department at Delta State University, along with two others, as they drove in the area of Delta State known as Ethiope East. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of 50 million naira (about US$120000), but later reportedly agreed to accept 3 million naira (about US$7200) in exchange for his release.

According to reports, Idamoyibo was left unconscious on a bridge by the kidnappers. Passersby discovered him, and brought him to a nearby hospital, where he died.

Scholars at Risk is gravely concerned about the targeting, kidnapping, and killing of a scholar. State and university authorities should take reasonable steps to prevent and respond to such attacks, including by investigating and holding perpetrators responsible, in accordance with international human rights standards. Targeted attacks on scholars undermine academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://dailypost.ng/2022/04/19/delta-kidnapped-delsu-lecturer-idamoyibo-found-dead-after-ransom-payment/
https://tribuneonlineng.com/kidnapped-delsu-lecturer-dies-after-release/
https://diamondfountainmedia.com/prof-ovaborhene-idamoyibo-dies-shortly-after-being-released-by-bandits-%E2%82%A63m-ransom-paid/