The kidnapped pupils and staff of Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti have regained their freedom. A confirmation from the Ekiti State Police Command Spokesperson, Sunday Abutu on Sunday morning, however, indicated that the driver was killed.
The abductees were said to have been released in the early hours of Sunday. They were kidnapped on Monday evening along Emure – Eporo Road while returning to Eporo after closing school. The kidnappers shot at the bus and later whisked away nine persons comprising five students, three female teachers and a driver among the occupants of the bus.
The police PPRO said, “All victims were rescued today at about 1.30am, but unfortunately, we lost the driver who was suspectedly killed by the abductors.”
A government official at Emure Ekiti, who confirmed the release of the abductees, said, “The abductees are here, the parents and family members are here. I will give you details shortly.”
A source, who also confirmed the development, said that officials of the state Ministry of Health were on the ground to take them to Ado Ekiti, the state capital for medical attention.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Security agencies and Ekitikete for their support which led to the timely release of the kidnapped pupils of Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary school, Emure Ekiti.
The Governor while congratulating the children and their families, expresses his profound appreciation to President Tinubu for giving specific directives that put the search and rescue mission on top gear.
He also thanks the security agencies for their collaborative efforts during the search for the students, just as he extends appreciation to Ekitikete home and abroad for their support during the security situation experienced last week.
Noting the traumatic experience of the children in the kidnappers’ den, Governor Oyebanji has directed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani to take the children to the state Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti for proper medical treatment and post trauma therapy.
The Governor, who kept vigil with Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele till 3.00am to ensure the release of the children, acknowledges the solidarity shown by his colleagues – other governors, former governors of the state as well as religious leaders and traditional rulers.
He also thanks members of the Ekiti State Caucus in the National Assembly and members of the state House of Assembly for their support. “And more importantly, we thank God for everything” the Governor said.
Governor Oyebanji also restates the determination of his administration to stamp out crime and criminality from the state by making the environment unbearable for criminals operating under whatever guise. Similarly, the Governor says killers of the two Ekiti Obas (traditional rulers) would be fished out and made to face the maximum weight of the law.
He urges the people of the state to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement in their communities to the authorities.
