The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the current spate of kidnappings in Ekiti State, saying it has put the citizens in “extreme fear and angst.”

The association regretted the kidnapping of one of its members, Rev. Father Emmanuel Akingbade, at his residence around 8:30pm on Tuesday.

In a statement on Sunday in Ado Ekiti, the Chairman of Ado Ekiti Branch, Dr. Foluke Dada, enjoined the people to be “more vigilant and report strange movements and activities in their neighbourhood to security agencies in the state.”

“We also call upon the Commissioner of Police in the State to intensify more efforts in policing the State and uncovering the activities of the men of the underworld who are terrorising the state.

“Other security agencies are also called upon to work collaboratively with the police to ensure that the lives of the citizens are adequately protected.”

The association implored the government, traditional rulers and well-meaning Ekiti indigenes to pull together a concerted effort to sensitise the people not to provide a safe haven for criminals.

The statement added, “We sincerely hope and pray that kidnappings will cease in our dear state so that the people can live in absolute peace.”

“In conclusion, we appeal to those holding Rev. Father Emmanuel Akingbade to release him immediately for the sake of God and for humanity so he could continue doing the work of God entrusted into his hands.”

No fewer than eleven persons, including an 11-year-old boy, kidnapped across Ekiti State were on May 23 released by their captors.

They include a lecturer at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Dr. Folasade Alade; a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Dr. Femi Omisore; wife of a former Chief Medical Director of EKSUTH, Dr. Kikielomo Adegun, and a nurse with Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, Margret Aladeneka.

Others are Alh. Biliaminu Abiola, Mrs. Lydia Agnes and her daughter, Mrs. Foluke Abiola, Mrs. Yemi Abiola, Mrs. Funmi Ogunlola, Mrs. Folake Adeniyi, Jimi Johnson.

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