Ekiti State, the Fountain of Knowledge seems to be moving from one crisis to another. Just when the political crisis seems to be subsiding, the problem of kidnapping seems to be raring its head.
The menace, though not entirely new, has witnessed an upsurge of late. It will be recalled that between 2009 and 2010 many incidences of kidnappings were recorded in the state, leading to eventual deaths of some of the victims, including that of a first class traditional ruler.
Just last week, the former Chief Medical Director of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Dr Patrick Adegun and a nurse with Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Margaret Aladenika, were kidnapped.
A source at the hospital told newsmen that none of the family members has been contacted by the kidnappers and that their whereabouts is still unknown as at the time of filing this report.
He said that the medical practitioner had earlier attended a wake keep at Nova Primary School, GRA in Ado Ekiti and left the place in his Toyota Avensis car before calling at his wife’s shop and took her and drove to their residence.
“On getting home, they saw that the gate had been blocked with another car. And as they were making efforts to call the driver to order, they were rough handled and cramped into the car which drove away speedily.”
“They didn’t take the victim’s car. Immediately we noticed that, we called the police and the SSS and they have started making contacts to ascertain their location”, he said.
Even as Adegun and Aladeneka has yet to be found, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), in the state on Tuesday said seven doctors have received threats of kidnap from unknown gunmen.
The Chairman of NMA in Ekiti state, Dr John Akinbote, told newsmen in Ado-Ekiti that the seven doctors received text messages from kidnappers, saying they could be picked up anytime.
As the confusion rages, the state governor, Ayo Fayose seems to think that the kidnappers may possibly have links within the rank and file of the various security outfits in the state.
The governor, while addressing staff of the Federal Teaching Hospital, (FTH) Ido-Ekiti, who were protesting the kidnap of their colleagues said, “If they were robbers, we can go after them, but kidnappers? You have to strategize first, because the kidnapped is still with them. I can’t expose our strategy. The kidnappers have agents among the security apparatus and the public. What Aladeneka and others need now is your prayers.”
He added, “When we had a jailbreak, they regrouped and started terrorizing Ekiti but we subdued and got them. We have rearrested over 199 and others have fled.”
Assuring the staff, Fayose said, “Mrs. Aladeneka would soon be with us. I appreciate you for being your brothers’ keeper. It could be anybody. It could be your brother. Let me tell you that I share this sorrow with you. This is one of the burdens I carry with you. I am sure that she will come back to join us.”
Going further, the Governor said, “It is not about APC or PDP whether you are politician or not, everybody must join hands with government to unravel the security issue, and bring it to an end. We are calling on all Ekiti indigenes, irrespective of any political affiliation and all security agencies to support the government to bring this unholy development to an end in a bid to get the kidnapped released and put paid to such occurrences.
“My government will do everything to protect lives and property. We will strengthen the borders and the streets. Let experienced people handle this. They are already working. You have elected me to do this. You know I have the capacity. You are important to us. If you have any issue, call me. My number is in the public domain”, he said.
Explaining the employment issue the week before the Ido Vanguard Youths had protested, Fayose said that the Chief Medical Director (CMD) is doing his best to deal with the situation stressing that there were about 50 slots available which was going to be given across the states. He further explained that the CMD had showed him everything and had it discussed with him.
The CMD, who expressed appreciation to the governor for visiting the Hospital to address the people, also assured his staff and the people of the community that the kidnapped would soon be rescued and be reunited with her family. He also said that efforts are being made to ensure their security.
Before now, no fewer than five persons were kidnapped in the state, at different locations but the captors later regained their freedom with the help of local vigilantes.
Three nurses and a director of administration, Ado Ekiti Local Government of Ekiti state, Mr Tayo Olawuyi, were among the victims.
Commenting on the incident, the Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers and Onitaji of Itaji- Ekiti Oba Adamo Babalola admonished residents to play active role in the fight against kidnapping by enlightening their wards and neighbours.
The Onitaji also pleaded with Ekiti people to refrain from late travelling or lonely roads.
“We are appealing to our people to intensify awareness Campaign against the activities of these evil men. We have been taking by storm by the reports of recent kidnapping incidences in Ekiti and we must also move fast to halt it”, the monarch said.
Speaking further he said, “I think everybody must play his or her role in this regard by monitoring the movement of visitors in and around their communities or places. If anyone discover strange movement of people, such a person should alert the security agents.”
The Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria in Ekiti, Dr Olusola Aduloju, ordered members to withdraw their services until Adegun is found.
He said, “We are taking this step so that the government can provide security for us. We are tired of this situation and we have ordered our men in EKSUTH to withdraw their services until our member and his wife are found”.
In its own view, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, alleged that some bad guys working for governor Ayo Fayose, must have been masterminded the new wave of crime in the state. APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, said in statement that so far, the governor had failed to deliver in all his campaign promises, regretting that besides house-breaking and robbery incidents, six persons, including medical doctors, have been kidnapped in the state in the last five months. According to him, the horror of the kidnapping of medical doctors has forced medical practitioners in the state to down tool.
“We raised the alarm when the trend started, calling the attention of Ekiti people to the governor’s refusal to fund security agencies like his predecessor, which was responsible for low crime rate between 2010 and 2014; even though Fayose increased his personal security vote to N200 million per month
“What is happening now is a confirmation of our earlier claim that the 19 APC lawmakers were targets of kidnapping to reduce their number in order to stall his impeachment. This would have been done if they had attended the meeting at ABUAD where we were reliably informed that an ambush had been laid for them,” Olatunbosun said.
He added that the recent kidnap incidents could not be detached from the earlier siege and insecurity by criminals after the government unleashed thugs, miscreants and Ado Ekiti jail break escapees to harass political opponents.
“The thugs, who are still currently being lodged in the Government House, had in the past unleashed terror on opposition members in every town across Ekiti State. We have every reason to believe that it is the same criminals and their colleagues from neighbouring Ondo State that are responsible for the recent kidnapping in the state,” Olatubosun said.
He added:”We raised the alarm about the state of insecurity in Ekiti in the last six months that Fayose mounted the saddle as governor. It was first jailbreak, followed by the reign of armed robbers, next was the reign of thugs who maimed opponents in all towns in Ekiti and now it is kidnappers.
“We call on security agencies, especially the Acting IGP Solomon Arase, to revisit our petitions on the thugs sheltered in the Government House by Fayose who he has been using to harass APC members, including the 19 lawmakers. They should be arrested and prosecuted now. Their details are with the security agents already.
“We sympathise with Ekiti people who were deceived by Fayose into believing he is the best for them. They now know better, as the difference between a government that really cared for the masses and a government of stunts and deceit is becoming clearer by the day.”
But the Special Assistant to Governor Fayose on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, however debunked the APC’s claim saying the matter could be argued the other way round.
He insisted that it was part of the opposition’s antics to heat up the polity and make the state look like a failed one whenever it lost power.
“No doubt, Ekiti State is always made ungovernable whenever the APC elements lose power in the State. When Engr. Segun Oni of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was governor, they made Ekiti ungovernable, using organized crime.” According to Olayinka, the opposition had unleashed a notorious robber, Charles Ojo Ovie and his gang on the state.
The menace, though not entirely new, has witnessed an upsurge of late. It will be recalled that between 2009 and 2010 many incidences of kidnappings were recorded in the state, leading to eventual deaths of some of the victims, including that of a first class traditional ruler.
Just last week, the former Chief Medical Director of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Dr Patrick Adegun and a nurse with Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Margaret Aladenika, were kidnapped.
A source at the hospital told newsmen that none of the family members has been contacted by the kidnappers and that their whereabouts is still unknown as at the time of filing this report.
He said that the medical practitioner had earlier attended a wake keep at Nova Primary School, GRA in Ado Ekiti and left the place in his Toyota Avensis car before calling at his wife’s shop and took her and drove to their residence.
“On getting home, they saw that the gate had been blocked with another car. And as they were making efforts to call the driver to order, they were rough handled and cramped into the car which drove away speedily.”
“They didn’t take the victim’s car. Immediately we noticed that, we called the police and the SSS and they have started making contacts to ascertain their location”, he said.
Even as Adegun and Aladeneka has yet to be found, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), in the state on Tuesday said seven doctors have received threats of kidnap from unknown gunmen.
The Chairman of NMA in Ekiti state, Dr John Akinbote, told newsmen in Ado-Ekiti that the seven doctors received text messages from kidnappers, saying they could be picked up anytime.
As the confusion rages, the state governor, Ayo Fayose seems to think that the kidnappers may possibly have links within the rank and file of the various security outfits in the state.
The governor, while addressing staff of the Federal Teaching Hospital, (FTH) Ido-Ekiti, who were protesting the kidnap of their colleagues said, “If they were robbers, we can go after them, but kidnappers? You have to strategize first, because the kidnapped is still with them. I can’t expose our strategy. The kidnappers have agents among the security apparatus and the public. What Aladeneka and others need now is your prayers.”
He added, “When we had a jailbreak, they regrouped and started terrorizing Ekiti but we subdued and got them. We have rearrested over 199 and others have fled.”
Assuring the staff, Fayose said, “Mrs. Aladeneka would soon be with us. I appreciate you for being your brothers’ keeper. It could be anybody. It could be your brother. Let me tell you that I share this sorrow with you. This is one of the burdens I carry with you. I am sure that she will come back to join us.”
Going further, the Governor said, “It is not about APC or PDP whether you are politician or not, everybody must join hands with government to unravel the security issue, and bring it to an end. We are calling on all Ekiti indigenes, irrespective of any political affiliation and all security agencies to support the government to bring this unholy development to an end in a bid to get the kidnapped released and put paid to such occurrences.
“My government will do everything to protect lives and property. We will strengthen the borders and the streets. Let experienced people handle this. They are already working. You have elected me to do this. You know I have the capacity. You are important to us. If you have any issue, call me. My number is in the public domain”, he said.
Explaining the employment issue the week before the Ido Vanguard Youths had protested, Fayose said that the Chief Medical Director (CMD) is doing his best to deal with the situation stressing that there were about 50 slots available which was going to be given across the states. He further explained that the CMD had showed him everything and had it discussed with him.
The CMD, who expressed appreciation to the governor for visiting the Hospital to address the people, also assured his staff and the people of the community that the kidnapped would soon be rescued and be reunited with her family. He also said that efforts are being made to ensure their security.
Before now, no fewer than five persons were kidnapped in the state, at different locations but the captors later regained their freedom with the help of local vigilantes.
Three nurses and a director of administration, Ado Ekiti Local Government of Ekiti state, Mr Tayo Olawuyi, were among the victims.
Commenting on the incident, the Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers and Onitaji of Itaji- Ekiti Oba Adamo Babalola admonished residents to play active role in the fight against kidnapping by enlightening their wards and neighbours.
The Onitaji also pleaded with Ekiti people to refrain from late travelling or lonely roads.
“We are appealing to our people to intensify awareness Campaign against the activities of these evil men. We have been taking by storm by the reports of recent kidnapping incidences in Ekiti and we must also move fast to halt it”, the monarch said.
Speaking further he said, “I think everybody must play his or her role in this regard by monitoring the movement of visitors in and around their communities or places. If anyone discover strange movement of people, such a person should alert the security agents.”
The Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria in Ekiti, Dr Olusola Aduloju, ordered members to withdraw their services until Adegun is found.
He said, “We are taking this step so that the government can provide security for us. We are tired of this situation and we have ordered our men in EKSUTH to withdraw their services until our member and his wife are found”.
In its own view, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, alleged that some bad guys working for governor Ayo Fayose, must have been masterminded the new wave of crime in the state. APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, said in statement that so far, the governor had failed to deliver in all his campaign promises, regretting that besides house-breaking and robbery incidents, six persons, including medical doctors, have been kidnapped in the state in the last five months. According to him, the horror of the kidnapping of medical doctors has forced medical practitioners in the state to down tool.
“We raised the alarm when the trend started, calling the attention of Ekiti people to the governor’s refusal to fund security agencies like his predecessor, which was responsible for low crime rate between 2010 and 2014; even though Fayose increased his personal security vote to N200 million per month
“What is happening now is a confirmation of our earlier claim that the 19 APC lawmakers were targets of kidnapping to reduce their number in order to stall his impeachment. This would have been done if they had attended the meeting at ABUAD where we were reliably informed that an ambush had been laid for them,” Olatunbosun said.
He added that the recent kidnap incidents could not be detached from the earlier siege and insecurity by criminals after the government unleashed thugs, miscreants and Ado Ekiti jail break escapees to harass political opponents.
“The thugs, who are still currently being lodged in the Government House, had in the past unleashed terror on opposition members in every town across Ekiti State. We have every reason to believe that it is the same criminals and their colleagues from neighbouring Ondo State that are responsible for the recent kidnapping in the state,” Olatubosun said.
He added:”We raised the alarm about the state of insecurity in Ekiti in the last six months that Fayose mounted the saddle as governor. It was first jailbreak, followed by the reign of armed robbers, next was the reign of thugs who maimed opponents in all towns in Ekiti and now it is kidnappers.
“We call on security agencies, especially the Acting IGP Solomon Arase, to revisit our petitions on the thugs sheltered in the Government House by Fayose who he has been using to harass APC members, including the 19 lawmakers. They should be arrested and prosecuted now. Their details are with the security agents already.
“We sympathise with Ekiti people who were deceived by Fayose into believing he is the best for them. They now know better, as the difference between a government that really cared for the masses and a government of stunts and deceit is becoming clearer by the day.”
But the Special Assistant to Governor Fayose on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, however debunked the APC’s claim saying the matter could be argued the other way round.
He insisted that it was part of the opposition’s antics to heat up the polity and make the state look like a failed one whenever it lost power.
“No doubt, Ekiti State is always made ungovernable whenever the APC elements lose power in the State. When Engr. Segun Oni of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was governor, they made Ekiti ungovernable, using organized crime.” According to Olayinka, the opposition had unleashed a notorious robber, Charles Ojo Ovie and his gang on the state.
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