Kidnapping: ASUU Threatens to Down Tools as Members Protest in Ekiti

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Ekiti State University  chapter,  on Monday protested in Ado Ekiti over incessant kidnapping of its members in the State, giving the State Government till Friday, May 22 , to rescue the victims failing which they would embark  on an indefinite strike.

The body lamented that   five of their members had been kidnapped at various locations in the State within two weeks , out of which two had been released  to look for a sum of N210 million being  demanded  as ransom for the release of other three  hostages,describing the scenario as frightening and disturbing.

Some of the placards paraded during the protest read: “ASUU Say No to Kidnapping”, Kidnapping is a Crime Against Humanity”, ASUU Demands Unconditional Release of Members, ‘’Ensure Safety of Lives and Property’’, among others.

They were protesting over the kidnapping of Dr Femi Omisore , a lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Dr Mrs Folasade Alade of EKSU and Dr Mrs Kikelomo Adegun , wife of the former Chief Medical Director of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.

ASUU members, led by their EKSU Chairman, Prof  Olufayo Olu-Olu , marched from the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti to the Ewi’s Palace, where they were addressed by Oba Rufus Adejugbe and members of his Council.

Prof Olufayo also received solidarity from his  colleagues from OAU, Dr Caleb Aborisade and Federal University of Technology, Dr Bola
Oniya.

They later moved to see Governor Ayodele Fayose at the Governor’s office, but  they were  received by the Deputy Governor, Dr Kolapo
Olusola, because the governor was reported  to have gone to Abuja to meet with the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase over the incessant abduction in the State.

Expressing their grievances before the Governor, the ASUU leaders said it was embarrassing for the kidnappers to have chosen their members and their colleagues in the health profession as  targets, urging the government to do all within its powers to rescue the state  from sliding into anarchy.

Olufayo said: “This is the same way Boko Haram started in the North. It started like a child’s play , but today, a visit to the North would show the level of callousness and damage the sects have done to the system. On this premise the government must act  fast and stop this  nonsense.

“These kidnappers erroneously thought our members are rich, but they never knew that we have not received salaries in EKSU since March, 2015. Three of our members are still being held and they were demanding for N70 million each, where do you expect us to get such money?.