Ekiti Elders Urge Government Action to Rescue Kidnapped Former EKSU Deputy Vice Chancellor

The Ekiti Council of Elders has appealed to the Ekiti State Government to intervene in the rescue of Professor Femi Olaofe, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, who was kidnapped from his residence in Ado Ekiti.

Jul 15, 2024 - 14:22

Ekiti Elders Urge Government Action to Rescue Kidnapped Former EKSU Deputy Vice Chancellor

The Ekiti Council of Elders has urgently appealed to the Ekiti State Government for intervention in the rescue of Professor Femi Olaofe, a former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), who was kidnapped from his residence in the State Housing Estate, Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday.

In a letter dated July 11 and addressed to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the Council’s President, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi, and General Secretary, Elder Niyi Ajibulu, expressed confidence in the government’s ability to swiftly act on the incident. The letter, titled "Deplorable Security Situation: Appeal for Urgent Intervention," highlighted the recent rise in kidnappings within the state.

"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 letter stated. "The first occurrence was in 2021 when the late Chief Biodun Ajayi, also the Chairman of the Association of Retired Heads of Services and Permanent Secretaries, was kidnapped. The recent occurrence took place on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, around 5 am at the Federal Housing Estate, Ado Ekiti when Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe was kidnapped. Up till now, no information has been received from his abductors."

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The Elders Council acknowledged Governor Oyebanji's efforts to improve the security situation in Ekiti State, noting his provision of human, material, and financial resources to combat crime. However, they stressed the need for immediate government action to rescue the retired professor.

The Council also reported their visit to the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeniran Akinwale, who assured them that efforts were underway to ensure Olaofe's safe return. The elders called for a collective effort, involving not just the police but also elders and leaders from various groups, including Afenifere and APC elders, to tackle the growing insecurity.

"We are equally calling on elders and leaders to join in the effort to curtail these acts," the Council emphasized.