The Nigeria Bar Association, Ado Ekiti Branch, has called for the release of its Ikole Ekiti Branch Secretary, Mr. Adeola Adebayo, who was kidnapped about eight days ago.
The lawyer was kidnapped while coming back from a social function which he had attended with his wife and children at Osogbo, Osun State on Saturday the 17th of November 2018 he was accosted by armed kidnappers and has since then been in the custody of his abductors.
Making the call in a statement, Olakanmi Samuel Falade, Chairman, NBA Ado-Ekiti Branch said: “I must salute the courage of the parents and family of Mr. Adeola Adebayo for holding on strongly in the past days. The last eight days must have been trying and demanding for the family. One can only imagine what the family is going through as each day passes by. We commensurate with the family of Mr. Adeola Adebayo and we want to reassure them that the NBA is more resolute and resolved at ensuring the release of our friend and colleague at the bar.
“I commend the role of His Excellency, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, the executive Governor of Ekiti State at ensuring the release of Adeola. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Ekiti State, Hon. Fapounda has also reiterated the commitment of the Ekiti State Government to ensure that Adeola is released from the Kidnappers den. We urge his Excellency not to relent in their efforts to ensure Adeola’s release.
“It is also important to commend our security operatives for their night long efforts at making sure that this perpetrator of criminal activity is brought to justice. The acknowledge the intelligence gathering of the security operatives as well in the past eight days but much is still desired in the areas of information and intelligence gathering of the
Nigerian police. The incessant acts of kidnapping and armed robbery have been on the increase in various parts of Ekiti State especially around Aramoko/Erio, Ado/Akure routes and other routes leading into and outside of Ekiti State.
“What is more worrisome is that these robbery and kidnapping happens during the light of the day, even more worrisome is the presence of security outfits (stop and search) arrayed on these routes and criminals like the abductors of Adeola still carry out their operations successfully. It is high time the security situation in the State be beefed up especially at areas mentioned earlier and other areas known for such high level of insecurity
“Governments must through the institution of law enforcement and security agencies must discharge their duties of providing adequate security, protecting lives and properties of the people which they govern. Government must be more resolute and genuine at ceasing the activities of criminals in the state. Government at all levels must strategically address situations which may throw the State into a state of collective pandemonium. It is important to stress at this point that there have been a few of kidnapping cases which were not heard about as a result of fear of intimidation and the families decided to pay ransom for the dear lives of the beloved ones.
“Adeola’s kidnapping is one of the very few that has gotten public attention in the last eight days whereas many other cases are not heard of. The NBA Ado branch continue to urge the Government of Ekiti to do everything within its power and resources to bring about the release of Adeola.
“As for the abductors of Adeola, we shall continue to persevere in prayers and supplications that God should touch a place in their heart that they may be compassionate not only on their captor but also on his family members especially his parents, wife and children who have since then been thrown into a state of confusion and distress. We appeal to their sense of humanity to release Adeola more so that the ransom amount has been paid.
“I appreciate members of the bar who have shown solidarity towards this achieving the release of Mr. Adeola Adebayo. The last couple of days have been critical for members of the Branch who have turned up in their numbers to make donations and engage in ceaseless prayers for Adeola and his family members. I want us to be reassured that this difficult moment shall pass and we shall rejoice again. We equally appreciate staff of the judiciary, other non-lawyers who have shown support towards this cause. We can only urge ourselves and one another not to be discouraged or relent until Adeola is released.
“Now all hands must be on deck and this is the appropriate time to make a concerted effort to strengthen our security apparatus before we were totally rendered helpless as a State by bandits and hoodlums. We must continually assist law enforcement agencies and security agencies with useful information and intelligence, government must declare a crackdown on the activities of criminals at all levels.
“The welfare of the people shall be the paramount consideration of government ( salus populis suprema lex)_ including safety of lives and properties. We continue to urge the Ekiti state government led by his Excellency Dr. John Kayode Fayemi to remain resolute in addressing security issues in the State and continue in his effort to ensure the release of Mr. Adeola Adebayo.
“This distressing moment shall fade out and we shall rejoice again. We shall continue to be strong and focused giving in all our support until Mr. Adeola Adebayo is released from his captors’ custody”.
