By Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

Nineteen days after the kidnapping of former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Professor Femi Olaofe, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ekiti State University chapter, have embarked on fervent prayers to secure the release of the former Deputy Vice Chancellor.

The former university don, who was whisked away by yet-to-be-identified gunmen from his house in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, shortly after a trip from Lagos where he had gone to see his family, remains in the captivity of the suspected kidnappers.

This development has prompted members and the leadership of ASUU, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti branch, to express concern over the failure of the abductors to release him three weeks after he was kidnapped.

In a statement on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, ASUU Chairman Professor Sola Afolayan said the union and the university community are deeply concerned and worried about the well-being of the octogenarian who has been held hostage for more than three weeks.

Afolayan condemned the abduction of the octogenarian, whom he said had served his fatherland meritoriously and made a meaningful impact on the development of Ekiti State University.

The ASUU Chairman called for fervent prayers from the public and spiritual individuals for the release of the former university helmsman and equally urged the abductors to release him unhurt.

He called on the government and various security agencies in the state to step up their rescue mission and bring back the former DVC hale and hearty.

Afolayan said, “We are not happy and comfortable that the old man is still being held captive after two weeks. There is no justification for his abduction, and that is why we urge the abductors to please let him off the hook.”