Ile-Ife leaders mourn murdered APC director, demands justice for his family

THE Ife Development Board has expressed sadness over the death of Hon. Kunle Adeniji, director of administration at the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The deceased lost his life in a kidnappers’ den in the North.

A statement signed by the president of the board, Gbenga Adefaye, described the deceased as a dedicated public servant and community leader.

The statement reads: “Like members of his family, friends and associates, the Ife community had hoped with silent prayers that our dear compatriot would finally regain his freedom and return to us after his harrowing experience at the hands of his abductors. But alas, we were only met with the truly devastating news of his death today. This indeed is a dark day in the annals of our community.

“As a mark of respect and tribute to his remarkable contributions to the advancement of Ife, the board has declared a three-day mourning period for this illustrious patriot, starting tomorrow. Consequently, the board will suspend all activities and engagements during the period. 

“As we mourn his shocking and heartbreaking death, we proudly remember his legacy of service, leadership and dedication to community and national development. 

“As a founding member of the National Ife Descendants Students Association in the 1980s, he played a pivotal role in establishing this organization which has since become a cornerstone of our community’s development.

“He then rose to serve as the Chairman, Ife Central Local Government during which his leadership skills and commitment to public service earned him the endearment and enduring respected of all and sundry.

“Prior to this, he had served meritoriously as Administrative Officer of the Obafemi Awolowo University where his expertise and work ethic made him a valuable asset to the institution.

“His last port of service before he fell victim to the murderous gang in Abuja was as the Director of Administration of the nation’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress.

The kidnap and eventual death of such a highly placed official of the ruling party in the vice grip of his abductors is a sad commentary on the diminished state of safety of ordinary Nigerians. It is a stark reminder of the embarrassing security challenges facing our country and the imperative need for the nation’s leadership to urgently review and restrategise its fight against kidnappers, bandits and other terrorists who appear bent on bringing Nigeria to her knees.

“We hereby demand and fervently hope that the perpetrators of this dastardly act will be diligently fished out and made to face the full consequences of their evil deeds.

“On behalf of all concerned stakeholders, the Ife Development Board extends its deepest condolences to Hon. Adeniji’s immediate family, his extensive network of friends and colleagues as well as all sons and daughters of Ife.

“May Allah forgive his sins and grant him Aljannah Firdaus even as He consoles his loved ones and the entire Ife community as we go through this difficult period of grief.”

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