The Ekiti Council of Elders (ECE) has expressed grave concern over the ongoing abduction of Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe, 78, a former deputy vice-chancellor of Ekiti State University, who has been held captive for over two weeks.
In response to the situation, the Council president, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi, convened an emergency meeting with heads of security agencies at the Elder’s House in Ado-Ekiti, as reported by Vanguard.
Prof. Olaofe was kidnapped from his home in Ado-Ekiti by armed bandits, who are demanding a ransom of N50 million. Prof. Oluwasanmi has urgently called on the state governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, to take swift action to secure Prof. Olaofe’s safe return.
His words: “Our esteemed member, Prof. Olaofe, a retired university don and former deputy vice-chancellor of Ekiti State University was brazenly kidnapped from his residence on July 9, 2024, and remains in captivity as of this moment. This has left us deeply anxious and fearful.
“While we appreciate the efforts of the state government and the security operatives, we implore all stakeholders to unite to ensure the safe release of the Professor and to eradicate insecurity in the state.
“This unfortunate incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive structural reforms in the government’s approach to security. We firmly believe that granting state governments more authority, especially in security management, is vital.
“On precaution, we wonder where is the old system of finding a lost person, what of the new method of serial survey employing satellites, sniffer dogs, etc.
“We urge the Federal Government and all stakeholders to act decisively to address these pressing challenges.”
Reacting, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Akinwale Adeniran said investigations were ongoing and promised to bring the perpetrators of such a dastardly act to justice.
Adeniran, represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Edwin Igoche, urged members of the public to refrain from hoarding useful information so that the agency can rid the state of criminal elements.
“There’s no doubt that Ekiti is the most peaceful state in Nigeria. You can’t use this incident to judge the peaceful atmosphere of Ekiti and residents should be hopeful that the Professor will come out alive,” he added
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