The Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), on Tuesday condemned the abduction of Chief Olu Falae by suspected Fulani herdsmen “in the strongest possible terms”.
Falae, a former Secretary to the Federal Government was kidnapped Monday at his farm in Akure, Ondo State.
A statement by its national coordinator, Gani Adams, noted that aside from being prominent Yoruba son, Falae was one Nigeria’s minister of finance.
“His abduction is not only ungodly, but also a sin against humanity,” he said.
“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 farms in our land and vandalise it is gradually making a return.
“However, we wish to state that the attribute of Yoruba people to be accommodating is not something that should be abused.
“For us, being accommodating is a virtue that was inculcated into us by our forefathers, and should therefore not be seen as a weakness by anybody
OPC urged the Federal Government should do all within its powers to ensure that “Baba Falae is returned to his family safe and sound”.
Similarly, legal practitioner and social activist Barr. Kayode Ajulo has called on security to act fast to ensure Falae is freed.
Ajulo, who is the National Secretary of the Labour Party, described the act as “shocking, traumatizing and downright satanic” while also expressing dismay that the culprits disregarded the age and position of the septuagenarian.
“When the news reached me, I didn’t believe it. It is scary, we are suppose to be celebrating his birthday with him today,” he said in a statement.
“It is horrifying that a criminal gang would dare to attack and abduct a man who is so advanced in years and incidentally on his birthday. It is downright devilish to subject an elderly man to such a harrowing experience.”
According to Ajulo, what made the news personally traumatizing is the indelible contributions of Chief Falae to ensure that democracy takes root in Nigeria and the relationship between the abducted Chief Falae and himself.
“I am particularly hit by the news because Chief Falae is not just a face in the crowd to me. He has fought for emancipation of Nigerians even at a great risk to his freedom and life.
“He has also played the role of a father and a mentor to me; coming from the same political root and belief, Anglican Communion and Yoruba race, our perspectives on most issues have been identical even though we belong to different political parties presently.
“Though Chief Falae is fearless and strong in character but as someone who has experienced the trauma of abduction personally, I can relate to what this senior citizen and man of principle will be going through presently.
“I remember an incident in his house at Oba-Ile, Akure where Chief Falae wondered why I had a uniformed orderly tending to my personal security. I recounted my previous ordeal and the prevailing insecurity in Nigeria, and that the threat of abduction remains a clear and present danger.”
LP further charged all security agencies to rise to the occasion to apprehend the culprits and rescue Chief Falae “who has contributed to the nation’s development”.
“His family and Nigerians in general expect no less from them at this period,” he added.
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