From Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti Council of Elders has appealed to the State Government to urgently intervene in the rescue of the kidnapped member of the council, Professor Femi Olaofe, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.
The council’s president, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi and the General Secretary, Elder Niyi Ajibulu, expressed the Council’s confidence in the ability of government to act swiftly.
This was contained in a letter to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, dated July 11, 2024 and titled, Deplorable Security Situation: Appeal for urgent intervention.
Prof. Olaofe was kidnapped at his residence at State Housing Estate, Ado Ekiti on Tuesday.
The Elders Council stated, “This Council regrets to inform Your Excellency that records confirm that two of its members have been kidnapped right in their residences in Ado-Ekiti.
“The first occurrence was in 2021, when the late Chief Biodun Ajayi, who was also the Chairman of Association of Retired Heads of Services and Permanent Secretaries, and a member of APC was kidnapped.
“The recent occurrence took place on Tuesday July 9, 2024 around 5am at Federal Housing Estate, Ado Ekiti, when Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe was kidnapped. Uptill now, there’s no information from his abductors.
“Ekiti Council of Elders is aware of the spirited efforts of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji towards improving the deteriorating security situation in Ekiti State.
“Such efforts, we note include, but are not limited to providing human, material and financial resources to stem the growing crime waves in the State.
“Your Excellency, we are using this medium to make official report of this sad incident. We also humbly request the intervention of government to rescue the retired Professor from the kidnappers”.
The Council visited the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeniran Akinwale, over the the matter on Friday.
They said that though the police had assured Prof. Olaofe would be rescued safely, all hands must be on the deck.
“We are equally calling on elders. We have met Afenifere, we have met APC elders. We are saying this is not a matter for only the police. We are saying that all should be involved in the effort to curtail these acts,” the elders said.