Parents and authorities from Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti, recount the harrowing journey to free abducted schoolchildren and teachers.
The five pupils were released after a N15m ransom payment, along with additional demands like fried rice and energy drinks. The school proprietor, Gabriel Adesanya, revealed the tragic death of the kidnapped bus driver.
Parents, who contributed to the ransom, describe the difficult negotiation process, initially faced with a N100m demand, which later reduced to N15m. The victims, released after six days, shared their ordeal, highlighting the challenges in locating the kidnappers in a vast forest.
The school proprietor, Adesanya, confirmed the ransom payment, emphasizing that a community group organized the funds. He was not involved in the payment process but acknowledged the payment’s necessity for the victims’ release.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji commended the rescue efforts, directing the Ekiti State Commissioner for Health to ensure the abductees receive proper medical attention at the State University Teaching Hospital. The governor assured that the perpetrators would be apprehended.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, stated that the police were not aware of any ransom payment. He pledged to continue the operation and investigation until the perpetrators faced the full wrath of the law.
The police in Ekiti State arrested a suspect linked to the killing of two traditional rulers, the Elesun of Esun Ekiti and the Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti. The suspect, Babusa Lede, confessed to involvement in the killings, and efforts are underway to apprehend others involved.
