KIDNAPPING MUST NOT DESECRATE OUR HERITAGE; EKITI IN DIASPORA RISES TO THE CHALLENGE

We, members of Ekiti in Diaspora for Economic and Social Development (EDESC), an association of Ekiti sons and daughters, home and abroad, are gravely concerned about the recent kidnapping of innocent and law abiding citizens of Ekiti-State, Nigeria. Information at our disposal has not revealed the reasons behind these heartless acts, nevertheless, we condemn in the strongest terms, the kidnapping of innocent citizens of Ekiti-State. We, therefore, advise and suggest as follows:

1) Law enforcement agencies must brace up to the challenge confronting Ekiti people of Southwest Nigeria by intensifying their policing and intelligence gathering effort. Thus, we ask the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Ekiti-State Government to deploy with immediate effect all human and material resource necessary to ensure the safety of Ekiti people.

2) Royal fathers and community leaders must rise, and protect members
of their community. Thus, we ask that our royal fathers, faith
leaders, and community leaders to collaborate with Government, and
protect their subjects. Further, we ask that a community and
neighborhood policing must be adopted immediately.

3) Ekiti residents must support the effort of the Government and law enforcement personnel by providing information. As citizens, we have significant roles to play in our own safety. Thus, we urge all indigenes and residents not to provide safe haven for these criminals or collude with outside forces against their own brothers and sisters.

To this end, as a people of historical courage that never gave up in the face of harassment and intimidation by outside forces, let’s rise up in unity of purpose, and ward off these intruders from desecrating our land, the land of our forefathers.

We beseech all Ekiti indigenes and residents, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING by alerting the authorities immediately.

God bless you, and God bless Ekiti-State of all Parties.

1) Mr. Anthony Ayodele, USA / Ido-Ile-Ekiti
2) Mrs. Titi. Adeyemo, USA / Orin-Ekiti
3) Mr. Clement Babalola, Ivory Coast / Ilupeju-Ekiti
4) Mr. Jide Obarotimi, UK / Iyin-Ekiti
5) Mrs. Aderonke Osuntokun, UK / Okemesi-Ekiti
6) Mr. Ola Jobi, Ph.D., USA / Ayede-Ekiti
7) Engr. Sunday Fadeyi, USA / Otun-Ekiti
8) Mr. Olubodunde Olorunfemi, Ph.D., USA / Ikere-Ekiti
9) Mr. Sunday Ben. Bamidele, USA / Ikere-Ekiti
10) Mr. Ayodele Yemi Ayeni, UK / Oye-Ekiti
11) Mr. Olufemi Boyede, Canada / Ijurin-Ekiti
12) Pastor. Olusegun Omooba, Nigeria / Iyin-Ekiti
13) Mr. Ayodele Ayeni, Ireland / Emure-Ekiti
14) Rev. Olusegun Ayodele, USA /Efon-Alaaye
15) Mr. Oluwagbenga Ogungbe, MD., USA / Oye-Ekiti
16) Mr. Sunday Olayinka, USA / Osi-Ekiti
17) Mr. John Ayeni, USA / Ikere- Ekiti
18) Mr. Kola Akosile, Nigeria / Usi-Ekiti
19) Rev. Rotimi Oteniya, Italy / Efon-Alaaye
20) Mr. Dele Babatunde, Nigeria / Ado-Ekiti
21) Mr. Wale Adeoshun, London, UK / Ipoti -Ekiti
22) Professor William Aborisade, Nigeria / Igogo-Ekiti
23) Mr. Olamide Idowu, London, UK / Ikole-Ekiti
24) Mr. Babajide Alabi, London, UK / Ikere-Ekiti
25) Mr. Ayodeji Olaleye, UK / Ootunja-Ekiti
26) Mr. Akin Babatola, USA / Ado-Ekiti