Nigeria: Abducted School Children in Ekiti Regain Freedom

Nine school pupils and teachers who were abducted in Emure Ekiti have been safely released after being kidnapped last week.

The victims, including eight teachers and pupils, were kidnapped in their school bus along Emure Eporo road.

Sadly, the driver was killed during the abduction. The released victims are currently in the palace of Elemure of Emure Ekiti.

The Chairman of Emure Local Government, Mr Adebayo Oluwatosin, confirmed the release in a telephone conversation with reporters this morning.

The Ekiti State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the rescue of all victims but lamented the loss of the driver, suspected to have been killed by the abductors.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies, and the people of Ekiti for their support, facilitating the timely release of the kidnapped pupils.

The Governor also directed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services to ensure proper medical treatment and post-trauma therapy for the rescued children.

Governor Oyebanji and Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele kept vigil until the early morning hours to ensure the children’s release. He thanked his colleagues, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and members of the National Assembly and State House of Assembly for their solidarity and support.

Governor Oyebanji reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of residents, promising to make the environment unbearable for criminals.

The abduction occurred when gunmen ambushed the school bus carrying pupils and three teachers along Eporo-Ekiti road, which serves as a boundary between Ondo and Ekiti States. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the captives.