President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, and other security agencies to take all necessary action to ensure the safe and speedy rescue of Chief Olu Falae who was abducted from his farm on Monday.
The order comes after critics condemned Aso Rock over its silence on the fate of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
A statement on Wednesday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, says Buhari condemns the callous and reprehensible kidnapping of the elder statesman.
“The President assures Chief Falae’s family, friends and other concerned Nigerians that the Federal Government will do all within its powers to ensure his swift release.
“President Buhari, who has requested constant updates from the police and security agencies on efforts to find and rescue Chief Falae, also denounces the recurring incidents of criminal abductions across the country.
“He assures all Nigerians that ongoing efforts to significantly enhance the security of lives and property in the country will continue apace and that under his leadership, Nigerians, irrespective of their status, will no longer be left at the mercy of criminal elements,” the statement reads.
Falae, 77, was kidnapped in his farm in Akure, Ondo State by gunmen who were also said to have wounded some of his workers.
Although the Police in the state insisted the incident was a “mere attack by some Fulani herdsmen”, family of the former minister of finance have said the kidnappers called to demand an initial ransom of N100 million.
It was later reduced to N90million.
