Falae regains freedom ‘without paying ransom’
After three days in captivity, Olu Falae, former secretary to the government of the federation, walked into his private residence in Ilu Abo, Akure north local government area of Ondo state, on Thursday.
Accompanied by Solomon Arase, the inspector-general of police; Mike Ogbodu, Ondo state commissioner of police and some family members, Falae, who is the traditional ruler of Ilu Abo, was recieved by a large crowd.
Arase said no ransom was paid for the release of Falae, who was once minister of finance.
Arase told journalists in Akure while handing over Falae to his family that police would soon release further details on the rescue efforts.
The abductors had reportedly demanded N100 million initially as ransom before reducing this to N90 million.
Olusegun Mimiko, governor of Ondo state; Reuben Fasonranti, national leader of Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-political organisation were among the dignitaries who visited Falae’s house after his release.
Mimiko had earlier told TheCable that Falae would “soon be home” when the news of his freedom broke but many were in the dark about his movement.
Gunmen abducted him from his farm in Ilado, still in Akure, on his 77th birthday, demanding a ransom of N100 million.
But Arase told journalists that no amount was paid for his release.
President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the police to “find and rescue” Falae.
If Fulani herdsmen were responsible for this incident, is what Yoruba in APC bargained for when they backed Buhari. Strange enough, not a single word from APC national leader and APC Southwest governors.
No one in the history of Nigeria has been able to curtail the nefarious activities of the Fulani Herdsmen in all parts of the country.
They are a law unto themselves
Is this the main reason why the North (Fulani) is against the recommendations of the National Conference?
Would each state having its own Police force be effective in curbing activities of the Fulani herdsmen?
Now that a Fulani is our head of state, is this a license for Fulani herdsmen to do whatever they wish to do?
The Middle Belt had been groaning under the firm hand of the Fulani for years and most part of the country stay silent.
Middle Belt yesterday, South West today which state next?
Is the federal government waiting for aggrieved citizens all over the country and take law into their hands before acting on stopping the menace of Fulani Herdsmen?
Lastly, will Fulani leaders wake up to the fact that if they fail to curtail the actions of the Fulani herdsmen they risk breaking up of the country?