The Ekiti Council of Elders has called on State Government and security agencies to secure release of kidnapped former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Ekiti State University, Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe from captivity.
The Council President, Professor Joseph Oluwasanmi, who made the appeal in Ado-Ekiti, urged the security agencies to intensify effort to ensure the retired university teacher’s release.
Olaofe was kidnapped in his residence in Ado Ekiti, the State capital, with his security guard on July 9, 2024.
Family sources said the kidnappers contacted at a time and initially demand N50m which they later reduced before the victim could be set free.
Prof Oluwasanmi lamented this was the second time its members would be kidnapped, saying such could discourage the senior citizens from the services and help they were still rendering to society at old age.
The Council President disclosed that the Elders’ Council, owing to the continuous stay of its member in the captivity had suspended its activities which he said included care for people.
He said, “Our esteemed member, Prof Olaofe, was brazenly kidnapped from his residence on Tuesday July 9, and remains in captivity as of this moment, 25th July.This has left us deeply anxious and fearful.
“We are on our bended knees for any method that can be used to find the Professor who has given his all to our society. We do not presume to know more than the security experts, but time is of essence for us to find the elderly man alive, hence our anxiety.
While we appreciate the efforts of the state government and the security operatives, we implore all stakeholders to unite to ensure the safe release of the Professor and to eradicate insecurity in the state,” he added.
The Nigeria Universities Pensioners Association, EKSU Chapter also appealed to security agents particularly the police in Ekiti State and the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, “to put all machinery in use in securing the release of the former DVC”.
EKSU NUPA, in its statement by the Publicity Secretary, Ajibade Olubunmi, said: “We appeal to security agents particularly the police in Ekiti State to secure the release of our member, Prof. Olaofe, kidnapped over two weeks ago.
“NUPA further calls on the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji to put all machinery in use in securing the release of the former DVC. We also urge members of the public to join the Association in giving useful that can lead to the rescue of the aged former DVC.”
The Special Adviser to the Gvernor on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd), who described kidnap of the retired professor as unfortunate, said, “Since that incident was reported, all security agencies have been on their toes, looking out, some suspects are being interrogated.
“As we are speak, our people are in the forests looking for any trace. It is our hope that this evening, he should come back, and we pray that very soon, he is going to be released,” the security adviser said.
Ekiti Police Commissioner Adeniran Akinwale, said that investigation was in progress on the matter.
The CP, represented by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Edwin Igoche, said, “Investigation is in progress in respect of the whole thing. We are doing everything humanly possible, by the special grace of God, the professor will return safely”.