Falae’s family raises N2m as abductors cut ransom to N90m

There is tension in Ondo State over the abduction of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae.

Falae, the traditional ruler (Olu) of Ilu Abo, a village in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, was kidnapped on his farm in Ilado village.

His abductors have reduced the N100 million ransom they earlier demanded to N90million, an aide said yesterday.

The aide, who pleaded for anonymity, said in Akure that the abductors called the family on Monday night and agreed that they could bring N90 million.

The source, however, said the family had raised N2 million.

He said the negotiation was still on between the family and the abductors.

“When they called us on Monday night, they said they could only reduce the ransom to N90 million, but we cannot afford that.

“We begged them to take N2 million but they rejected it; they said they would call us back today but as at this moment, they have not called,” the source said.

When The Nation visited the residence of the former Minister for Finance, reporters were still barred from talking to his wife, Rachael.

The Commissioner of Police, Mike Ogbodu, who assured the family of rescuing Falae alive, has taken over the investigation.

Sympathisers have besieged the Falaes’ Oba-Ile Road residence in Akure.

Some of them include members of the State Assembly, led by their Speaker, Ms. Jumoke Akindele and Akure Traditional Council, led by Lisa of Akure, High Chief James Olusoga.

Others are members of the Anglican Communion, Falae’s subjects from Ilu-Abo and politicians.

The State Council of Obas has called for calm. Its Chairman and Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, said the kidnap was an unfortunate incident for a man who has contributed his best to Nigeria.

He said it was not the time to point fingers but join the government and security agencies in securing the release of the elder statesman.

Oba Kiladejo prayed for Falae’s early and safe return.

Farmers, under the aegis of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) South West zone, have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the abductors.

The Zonal Coordinator, who is also the Ogun State Chairman, Olusegun Dasaolu, said the news of the abduction was a surprise to the farmers.

Dasaolu declared that his association was ready to mobilise farmers to search for Falae.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) condemned the incident. Its Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, “APC condemns this rude and unimaginable act, which no doubt offends the psyche and pride of our people.

“It has become an insult too many for our people to bear, as this same set of people violates the farmstead of our people unchecked and even our highways without control.

“I call on security agencies to bring this unacceptable act of brigandage to a swift end and prosecute without delay the actors.”

Kekemeke urged the Federal Government to ensure that security agencies act urgently in this matter.

He also called on the state government to regulate the activities of these itinerant herdsmen, just like it regulates citizens’ use of public utilities.

The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) demanded for the ex-SGF’s unconditional release.

A statement by its chairman, Peter Ameh, in Abuja yesterday described the kidnapping as sacrilegious.

Ameh said: “Chief Olu Falae, a prominent elder statesman and revered IPAC member has served our country meritoriously in several capacities and deserves the greatest respect from every Nigerian.

“That anyone will even contemplate kidnapping or hurting this eminent senior citizen is a tragedy for our dear nation.”