Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 2019 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the killing of Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Afenifere chairman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
Mrs Olakunrin was fatally shot on Friday along the Ondo-Ore Road in Ondo State by suspected kidnappers.
In a message released on Friday night, Atiku described the killing as “one death too many”.
The message reads: “I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the killing of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Chief Reuben Fasoranti, the Chairman of Afenifere. This is one death too many.
“I call on the security services to initiate speedy and thorough investigations to bring her killers to book and stem the epidemic of insecurity in our land.
“My prayers and deep compassion go to Chief Reuben Fasoranti, his family and the entire membership of Afenifere.
“My family and I stand shoulder to shoulder with you at this trying time, even as we pray for the repose of Mrs. Funke Olakunrin’s soul.
“Peace must return to Nigeria, by every means possible. Enough of this. Enough of this!”
The deceased,58, was reportedly heading to Ore Junction from Akure, Ondo State when she was attacked and fatally shot.
Ondo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Femi Joseph, confirmed the incident.
Mr Joseph said the suspects were kidnappers who also engaged in armed robbery.
The incident, he said, happened between Kajola and Ore, adding that Mrs Olakunrin was the only one killed in the incident.
He said the kidnappers attacked three vehicles, including a luxurious bus belonging to the Young Shall Grow Motors, adding that the passengers in the luxurious bus were travelling from Imo State to Lagos.
However, he said the police have rescued three of the victims, adding that one Gerald Igboroka was yet to be found by the police.
Joseph said: “Information available to us is that suspected kidnappers who were 16 in number ambushed the three vehicles at Kajola.
“The three vehicles were said to be going to Lagos and they were all attacked. The kidnappers shot on one Mrs. Funke Olakunrin and she was confirmed dead immediately,” he added.
The PPRO who said the police were on the trail of the kidnappers, assured that the victims would be rescued in no distant time.
He added that none of the suspected kidnappers has been arrested, but efforts are on to ensure their arrest.
Olakunrin is the second child of 94-year-old Fasoranti to die. The elder statesman had also lost a daughter, Bunmi, some years ago.
