There was wide jubilation
in Akure, the Ondo State capital yesterday as former Secretary to the
Government of the Federation (SGF) and chieftain of the pan-Yoruba
socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, Chief Olu Falae regained his freedom.
The former Minister of Finance revealed that he slept on bare floor for the
four days he was held. He said the horrible experience during his period
of captivity will remain fresh in his mind forever.
Freedom came the way of Falae few hours after President Muhammadu Buhari read the riot acts to the Police and ordered the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase to secure the release of Falae. The Police authorities said no ransom was paid.
Falae who is the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was abducted in his farm in Ilado, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State by suspected Fulani herdsmen on his 77th birthday.
Mr Arase led top Police officers who rescued Falae to the Government House into the warm embrace of Governor Olusegun Mimiko at exactly 4.30pm.
Arase who informed that no amount was paid as ransom, disclosed that the Afenifere leader was found by Police officers along Owo/Akure Express road, after he was dropped off by the kidnappers.
Although the Police boss said no arrest has been made, he maintained that the Police would do everything possible to ensure that those behind the abduction are brought to book in no distant time.
“We are going to devise strategies to ensure that hoodlums do not overwhelm a state. It is not possible. Security challenges like this are not new. It is not only localized in Nigeria but it is a global thing. We will continue to disgrace them, we will continue to catch them. Right from Monday when he was kidnapped, policemen have been working underground, and thank God for the success recorded. I assure you we shall not rest until we overcome this challenge,” he said.
Governor Mimiko said the return of Chief Falae was a proof that God answers prayers.
“We are happy he is back. We thank God he is back both and sound. We are just happy that he is back. I prayed he comes back safely and he did,” he said.
Although visibly happy, none of Falae’s family member including his Personal Assistant, Mr. Moshood Raji, was willing to speak, insisting that the family has agreed not to grant interview.
Freedom came the way of Falae few hours after President Muhammadu Buhari read the riot acts to the Police and ordered the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase to secure the release of Falae. The Police authorities said no ransom was paid.
Falae who is the national chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was abducted in his farm in Ilado, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State by suspected Fulani herdsmen on his 77th birthday.
Mr Arase led top Police officers who rescued Falae to the Government House into the warm embrace of Governor Olusegun Mimiko at exactly 4.30pm.
Arase who informed that no amount was paid as ransom, disclosed that the Afenifere leader was found by Police officers along Owo/Akure Express road, after he was dropped off by the kidnappers.
Although the Police boss said no arrest has been made, he maintained that the Police would do everything possible to ensure that those behind the abduction are brought to book in no distant time.
“We are going to devise strategies to ensure that hoodlums do not overwhelm a state. It is not possible. Security challenges like this are not new. It is not only localized in Nigeria but it is a global thing. We will continue to disgrace them, we will continue to catch them. Right from Monday when he was kidnapped, policemen have been working underground, and thank God for the success recorded. I assure you we shall not rest until we overcome this challenge,” he said.
Governor Mimiko said the return of Chief Falae was a proof that God answers prayers.
“We are happy he is back. We thank God he is back both and sound. We are just happy that he is back. I prayed he comes back safely and he did,” he said.
Although visibly happy, none of Falae’s family member including his Personal Assistant, Mr. Moshood Raji, was willing to speak, insisting that the family has agreed not to grant interview.
-Sun News
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