The Ekiti Council of Elders has referred to as for the discharge of the kidnapped 78-year-old former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State College, Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe.
Prof. Olaofe was kidnapped from his house in Ado-Ekiti on July 9, 2024 by armed bandits, who’re demanding a ransom of N50 million for his freedom.
“Our esteemed member, Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe, a retired College don and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State College was openly kidnapped from his residence on Tuesday, ninth July 2024, and stays in captivity as of this second. This has left us deeply anxious and fearful,” the council mentioned.
The president of the council, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi made the decision in Ado Ekiti whereas addressing journalists after the group’s interface with the state Police Commissioner, Mr Adeniran Akinwale and Particular Assistant to the Governor on Safety, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana.
The assembly was convened to get an replace on the kidnapped college don.
Prof. Oluwasanmi additionally for the restructuring of presidency method to safety within the nation.
Advert
The council whereas lamenting the insecurity within the nation, admonished safety brokers to make use of expertise to deal with insecurity and apprehend prison parts.
Prof. Oluwasanmi mentioned the council is anxious about safety state of affairs within the state and fearful concerning the latest kidnap of their member.
“Since 2016 when Ekin Council of Elders got here up with a memo on the issues of herdsmen within the State, the Council has remained gravely involved concerning the deteriorating safety state of affairs in our state.
“Regardless of our proactive measures, together with the Safety Summit of 2022, the spotlight of which was to create consciousness on the deteriorating safety state of affairs in addition to proffer collective proactive measures to stem the development, the safety panorama continues to say no, with incidents of kidnapping and killings occurring throughout the state.
Nevertheless, the Council chairman who appreciated the efforts of the state authorities and the safety operatives, implored all stakeholders to unite to make sure the secure launch of the Professor and to eradicate insecurity within the State.
“This unlucky incident, coupled with the earlier tragic kidnapping and lack of our member, the late Chief Abiodun Ajayi, underscores the pressing want the great structural reforms within the method to safety. We firmly imagine that granting state governments the authority, particularly in safety administration, is important.
“On precaution, we marvel the place is the previous system of discovering a misplaced individual; what of the brand new methodology of serial survey using satellites, sniffer canines, and so forth. We’re on our bended knees for any methodology that can be utilized to search out the Professor who has given his all to our society.
“We don’t presume to know greater than the safety consultants, however time is of essence for us to search out the aged man alive, therefore our anxiousness!,” the Council mentioned.
Prof. Oluwasanmi who disclosed that the council has regrettably determined to droop lots of its actions till additional discover as a result of distressing occasions, urged the Federal Authorities and all stakeholders to behave decisively to handle these urgent challenges.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Akinwale who was represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Edwin Igoche mentioned critical investigation is ongoing relating to the incident .
In response to him, “It’s not one thing that’s hidden, it’s one thing that on the finish of the day, shall be evident to everybody to know and see.
“The investigation is in progress about this. Like I mentioned, Ekiti State by way of crime is likely one of the least within the nation. With synergy to all different safety brokers, particularly, Amotekun Corps, the hunters and the remaining, we’re doing the whole lot humanly potential to get him off the hook. Just like the SA to the governor mentioned, very quickly, you can be seeing the outcomes”.
For his half, the Particular Adviser to the governor on Safety, Brig. Gen. Ogundana (retd) mentioned it’s unlucky that the incident occurred throughout the surroundings the place it occurred.
“It was avoidable, but it surely has occurred. Because the incident was reported, all the safety companies have been on their toes looking, throughout the city. Some suspects are being interrogated as we converse now, however it’s not the whole lot that I can declare within the open now.
“Our individuals are presently combing the forest wanting any hint that result in the person’s rescue. So, our hope is that he’s rescued and we pray that very quickly he shall be launched by his abductors. Safety brokers are doing their greatest and dealing around the clock to get him again house,” Ogundana mentioned.