Kidnapped Schoolchildren and Teachers in Ekiti Freed After N16 Million Ransom

After spending a week in captivity, the nine abductees from Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti, have been released by their kidnappers. The families of the victims paid N16 million as ransom to secure their freedom. However, the driver of the school bus was killed by the kidnappers.

The incident occurred on Monday, March 26, 2024, when the schoolchildren and teachers were on their way back to Eporo from Emure. The kidnappers ambushed the bus along Emure – Eporo Road and opened fire. They then took away five students, three female teachers and the driver.

The kidnappers initially demanded N100 million for the release of the victims, but later agreed to collect N16 million after negotiations. The abductees were freed around 3:00 am on Sunday, April 1, 2024.

A video clip showed the freed pupils and their teachers sitting on the floor, looking exhausted and traumatized. A mother could be heard crying over the condition of her child.

A government official at Emure Ekiti confirmed the release of the abductees and said that they were reunited with their families. He also said that the state Ministry of Health officials were present to take them to Ado Ekiti for medical check-up.

The kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers has become a rampant phenomenon in Nigeria, especially in the northern states. The federal and state governments have been urged to take urgent measures to ensure the safety and security of schools and students.