The kidnappers of the Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Olabode Folorunso, have released him to the embrace of his community in Iye-Ekiti after holding him for nine days.
They kidnapped Chief Folorunso penultimate Sunday on Isan-Iludun road, Ekiti State, together with a woman, Bosede Taiwo, while they shot dead a councillor of Ilejemeje local government, Mr Olatunji Omotosho, who was driving the car in which they were travelling.
The kidnappers, however, released Taiwo last Thursday.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Mr Sunday Abutu, told journalists in Ado Ekiti on Friday that the kidnappers freed the woman inside a forest in Kwara State and she found her way to the main road, where she was assisted.
On Folorunso’s release, Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr Asuquo Amba, said the commissioner was released on Monday unhurt.
Abutu said on behalf of Amba, “We are assuring the good people of Ekiti State that the police will do all within their power to make Ekiti safe for all residents.
“The kidnap of the commissioner was just an isolated case. Our men are working hard to ensure that Ekiti doesn’t become a beehive of criminals and we shall achieve that.”
The state governor, Kayode Fayemi, expressed government’s appreciation for the concern shown by members of the public during the period of Folorunso’s abduction.
He also said the government appreciated efforts by the security agencies in securing the release, as well as ensuring security of lives and property in the state.
“Government also expresses sympathy with the family of the late councillor, Mr Olatunji Omotosho, who was killed by the gunmen during the abduction on April 26, 2020,” Fayemi said.
The governor urged people of the state to also remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement and activities to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, or call the state emergency lines for action.
The kidnappers had initially demanded N30 million as ransom to release Folorunso but later reduced the sum to N15m. It wasn’t clear, however, if any money was paid before the commissioner was finally released.
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