The Ekiti Council of Elders has urged the state government to intervene swiftly to rescue Professor Femi Olaofe, a kidnapped member of the Council.
In a letter to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the Council expressed confidence in the government’s ability to act decisively.
The Council noted that Olaofe’s kidnapping is the second incident in recent years, following the abduction and murder of Chief Biodun Ajayi in 2021, according to Daily Post.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to improve security, the Council emphasized the need for collective action to address the growing crime wave.
The Council has met with the Commissioner of Police and other stakeholders, including Afenifere and APC elders, to stress the importance of a collaborative effort to rescue Olaofe and address the deteriorating security situation in the state.
They urged all hands to be on deck to curtail the kidnapping and crime waves in Ekiti State.
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 9 July, 2024 around 5am at Federal Housing Estate, Ado Ekiti when Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe was kidnapped. Up till now, no information from his abductors.
“Ekiti Council of Elders is aware of the spirited efforts of the Governor, Mr. 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.
The Council which on Friday visited the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeniran Akinwale, over the the matter, said that although the police had assured 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.
