After being kidnapped on July 9, the former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe, has been tragically found deceased.
Sources, unable to ascertain whether the 79-year-old retired university professor passed away due to age-related frailty or was a victim of his abductors, revealed to PUNCH Metro that his body was discovered buried in a shallow grave in a remote area.
Olaofe was taken from his residence on July 9 together with his guard, over three weeks ago, and driven away in his own vehicle, which was later recovered by the police following the abduction.
It was reported that initially, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N50m but then ceased all communication.
The Commissioner of Police for Ekiti State Command, Mr. Adeniran Akinwale, officially confirmed the death of Olaofe, stating, “Yes, the professor has been found deceased, and we are taking steps to retrieve the body for burial.”
Regarding the circumstances, Akinwale mentioned, “We have apprehended several individuals, and there are suspicions of involvement from within, specifically pointing towards the security personnel hired by the professor, who allegedly orchestrated the abduction.” He further added, “By kidnapping both of them together, they aimed to divert suspicion. Multiple arrests have been made during the rescue operation. Further details about the security guard will be disclosed at the appropriate time.”
Throughout the search for the former educator, organizations like the Are Ekiti Progressives Union, Ekiti Council of Elders, and Nigerian Universities Pensioners’ Association, EKSU Branch, urged the security forces and state authorities to intensify their efforts in locating and rescuing the elderly victim.