Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU), Professor Femi Olaofe, from his residence in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Thursday. The kidnappers are demanding a N50 million ransom for his release.
Professor Olaofe, a native of Are-Ekiti in the Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, recently retired as a Professor of Industrial Chemistry from Ekiti State University.
Eyewitnesses reported that Olaofe returned to Ado-Ekiti on Monday afternoon after visiting his children in Lagos. A neighbor recounted, “We saw him on Monday when he came back from Lagos. We exchanged pleasantries. The next day, we noticed his gate was open, which was unusual. When we couldn’t find him or his security man, we reported to the police.”
Reports revealed that the kidnappers stormed Olaofe’s house, demanded his car keys, and took him and his security man away in his vehicle. The vehicle was later found abandoned in a bush along Oke-Ila-Afao Road.
The Are-Ekiti Development Association (AREDAA), led by President Engr. James Adebayo, met with the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Adeniran Akinwale, to discuss the incident. During the meeting, Engr. Adebayo conveyed the concerns of the Alare of Are-Ekiti, Oba Boluade Adebiyi, and the community, urging the police to ensure Professor Olaofe’s safe return.
The Commissioner of Police confirmed the kidnapping and stated that investigations had commenced. “We have recovered Professor Olaofe’s vehicle and have received information about the N50 million ransom demand,” Akinwale said. He assured the family that the police would do everything possible to rescue Olaofe safely, adding, “We must pray for his strength and endurance during this ordeal.”
The kidnapping has sparked calls from Are-Ekiti residents and those in the diaspora for a coordinated effort from all security agencies, including the Nigerian Social and Civil Security Defence Corps and Amotekun, to secure Olaofe’s release and bring the kidnappers to justice.
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