Rescue retired Ekiti University Don from kidnap, AREDAA urges Police
The Are-Ekiti Development Association (AREDAA) has called on the Ekiti State Police Command to urgently secure the release of Professor Femi Olaofe, a retired university don who was recently kidnapped from his residence in Ado Ekiti.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at the Ekiti State Housing Estate, Ado Ekiti, when Professor Olaofe, a native of Are-Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun local government area and a retired Professor of Industrial Chemistry from Ekiti State University, was abducted.
An eyewitness reported that Professor Olaofe had returned from a trip to Lagos the previous day. Noticing the unusual sight of his gate left open, neighbors discovered his house empty and reported the situation to the local police.
The kidnappers reportedly took Professor Olaofe and his security man away in the professor’s car, which was later found abandoned in a bush along Oke-Ila-Afao road.
AREDAA has actively engaged with the authorities to ensure Professor Olaofe’s safe return. Earlier today, a delegation led by AREDAA President Engr. James Adebayo met with Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Adeniran Akinwale, to discuss the incident.
Engr. Adebayo conveyed the concerns of Oba Boluade Adebiyi, the Alare of Are-Ekiti, and the entire Are-Ekiti community, urging the police to make every effort to rescue Professor Olaofe.
“We have come to meet with you on the sad incident of the kidnap of our illustrious son and a professor of repute, Professor Femi Olaofe. We received the news of our son’s kidnap with sadness.
“On behalf of the Kabiyesi Alare of Are Ekiti, AREDAA, and the entire people of our community, we wish to charge you to do everything humanly possible to bring Olaofe back home alive,” said Engr. Adebayo.
Commissioner Akinwale confirmed the kidnapping and assured the community that the police are actively investigating the case.
“The Ekiti Police Command has commenced investigations into the matter. We have recovered Professor Olaofe’s personal vehicle, which was abandoned by the kidnappers. We have also received information on the demand for a ₦50 million ransom,” Akinwale stated.
He assured the family and community that the police would do everything within their power to secure Professor Olaofe’s safe return, emphasizing the need to pray for the professor’s strength and well-being during this ordeal.
Residents of Are-Ekiti, both locally and abroad, have called on various security agencies, including the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and Amotekun, to collaborate in the rescue efforts. The entire community remains hopeful for Professor Olaofe’s safe return.
