Kidnapping: Akeredolu commiserates with Rufus Giwa Poly over victim’s death

Today, December 10, 2018, was a sad day for the government and people of Ondo State over the death of Mr. Taiwo Akinyemi, one of the workers of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, who were kidnapped last week along the Akure-Owo road.

Akinyemi died while being held captive by the kidnappers. However, all the other kidnapped victims have been rescued by the police.
Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who paid a condolence visit to the polytechnic today, Monday, to sympathise with the workers, students and management of the institution, described the death of Akinyemi as unfortunate.

Akeredolu said: “Akinyemi’s death is a loss to the state and the polytechnic. It is unfortunate and sad to have lost this gentleman.
“The police have secured the release of other victims and they have returned to their various homes.”
He praised the state police command for displaying professionalism and gallantry in ensuring the release of the victims, while assuring that security would be beefed up to prevent recurrence of kidnapping in all parts of the state.

According to him, police will be more involved in frequent patrol of roads in the state than stop-and-search to give room for increased presence of security agents in all parts of the state.
“The kidnappers appear more desperate. So, we will get more patrol teams on the roads to ensure effective security of our people and properties,” Akeredolu said.
While commending the police for rescuing the pregnant woman victim of the kidnapping, he denied that ransom was paid to secure her release.

The governor also expressed optimism that kidnapping for ransom or for any other reason would be a thing of the past in the state.
He charged the students and other lovers of peace in the state to be vigilant and report suspicious persons or movements to security agencies for prompt action.
He said: “Your population (the polytechnic students) is enough to detect suspicious persons and report them to the relevant authorities or the police.

“The police are under a duty to not disclose the identity of their informants. All you need to do is to be more vigilant.
“All we can continue to do is to be optimistic that we will have a crime-free society, with fervent prayers and vigilance.” He said.
Speaking earlier, the polytechnic rector, Mr. Gani Ogundahunsi, commended Akeredolu for showing concern over the unfortunate incident.
Ogundahunsi said the polytechnic community appreciated the governor’s condolence visit, even less than 24 hours after Akinyemi’s death.

According to the rector, the condolence visit demonstrated Akeredolu’s excellent leadership.
“Governor Akeredolu’s concern for the security of lives and properties of all is appreciated,” Ogundahunsi said.
Source- SA to the Governor on New Media