National Coordinator, Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, has condemned the abduction of Chief Olu Falae by Fulani herdsmen, describing it as “sin against humanity.’’
Adams, who made the remark on Tuesday in Lagos, also described the action as “a sad development in the history of the country.’’
“It is indeed a sad development that Chief Falae, aside from being a prominent Yoruba son, was a minister and Secretary to the Government of Nigeria.
“For a man, who lost a very promising son only two years ago to be abducted on his 77th birthday is a dastardly act
that should be condemned by all peace-loving and reasonable Nigerians.
“It is also worrisome that the nation is descending into an era when a citizen is not safe even in his own home.
“The trend in which Fulani herdsmen would invade private farms in our land and vandalise it is not acceptable,’’ he said.
Adams said that the fact the Yorubas’ are accommodating should not be abused by other tribes.
“For us, being accommodating is a virtue that was inculcated into us by our forefathers and should not be seen as a weakness by anybody.
“We would, however want to send an appeal to the Federal Government to use all within its powers to ensure that Baba Falae is returned to his family safe and sound,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, his abductors have reduced the ransom demanded for his release from N100 million to N90 million, an aide to the chief has said.
The aide, who pleaded anonymity said on Tuesday in Akure, said that the abductors called the family on Monday night and agreed that they could bring N90 million if they could not afford N100 million demanded.
The source, however, said that the family had only been able to raise N2 million.
The septuagenarian was kidnapped in his farm on Monday by gunmen who were also was said to have wounded some of his workers.
Although the Police in the state had insisted that the incident was a ‘’mere attack by some Fulani herdsmen’’, the family said the kidnappers called to demand a ransom of N100 million.
“When they called us on Monday night, they said they could only reduce the ransom to N90 million, but we cannot afford that.
“We begged them to take N2 million but they rejected it; they said they would call us back today but as at this moment, they have not called,” the source said.
Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Wole Ogodo, said that the command was still making effort to ensure that Falae, also a former Minister of Finance, was released unhurt .
Mr Isaac Kekemeke, Chairman of All Progressives Congress in the state, called on the Ondo State Government and security agencies in the state to ensure that the abductors of the former SGF were brought to book.
Kekemeke, in a statement, urged the government to regulate the activities of Fulani herdsmen ‘’just as it regulates citizen’s use of public utilities’’.
“These lawless herdsmen, if they must live in Ondo state, cannot be law unto themselves,” he said.
In a related development, the Ondo State Council of Obas, an umbrella body of traditional rulers, has sued for calm while calling for synergy in the efforts to rescue Falae.
Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, the Chairman of the council and Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, made the call while speaking to newsmen in Akure on Tuesday.
Kiladejo said the kidnap was an unfortunate incident for a man who had contributed his best to the development efforts in the country.
According to him, it is not the time to point accusing fingers at any institution but to join hands with the government and security agencies in securing the release of the elder statesman.
The traditional ruler prayed for the early and safe return of Falae to enable him play more statesmanship role in the development of the country.
