Insecurity: Ekiti Orders Closure Of Schools In Ilejemeje LG, As Council Vice Chair Is Abducted

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Government has ordered closure of some secondary schools in Ilejemeje local government area of the state following upsurge in kidnapping cases.

Students sitting for their final Senior Secondary School Examination, (SSCE) in the affected schools have been relocated to community halls to enable them continue with their examination.

The measure is coming as the Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Council Grace Ogunleye, was kidnapped Wednesday afternoon while returning home from a trip.

Report revealed that Ogunleye was abducted between Iludun, her hometown and Ipere, a neighbouring community by gun welding and masked bandits.

She was forced to abandon her official Toyota Corolla car and her bag, which contained some valuables and whisked away into the bush.

Falade Sunday, Director of Information and Civic Orientation,

Ilejemeje Local Government, in a statement confirmed that “The Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government, Hon. Chief Mrs. Grace Ogunleye, has reportedly been kidnapped along Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road.

“According to reports, her vehicle was later found abandoned while her whereabouts remain unknown.

“Her mobile phone has also been switched off as of the time of filing this report.

“She had earlier visited Ilejemeje this morning and was returning to Ido Ekiti when the unfortunate incident occurred. Security agencies have been alerted while efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue her safely.

Barely 22 days ago, worshippers at CAC , Eda Oniyo were abducted by gunmen and are yet to be released despite payment of N10.5 million and foodstuffs as demanded by the abductors.

Meanwhile, in Oyo state, children in Oko Town on Wednesday stayed away from their schools, following Tuesday’s rumours that bandits were planning to attack schools in the town and other neighbouring communities.

It was gathered that there was no presence of either the teachers or students in all the schools within Oko Town, as most of the parents did not allow their children to go to school.

Roads were equally deserted as only few vehicles and commercial motorcyclists were seen on the roads.

It was also observed that security agents were present on the roads particularly Oko – Ejigbo, stopping and searching of few vehicles plying various routes.

It would be recalled that police Spokesperson for Oyo State command, Mr Olayinka Ayanlade had during an interview with Radio Nigeria advised residents of Ogo Ilu and its neighbouring communities to go about their lawful business activities without fear of threat from any quarter.

He made it clear that more security personnel had been deployed across towns and villages in Surulere Local Government Area to ensure protection of lives and property.