Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, had earlier assured parents and families of the pupils and staff of the school that they would be rescued soon
Students of Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure-Ekiti, Ekiti State, their teachers and driver, who were abducted by gunmen suspected to be bandits have finally been released.
They were kidnapped by the assailants on Monday evening along Emure – Eporo Road while returning to Eporo after school closed.
The gunmen reportedly shot at the bus and later whisked away nine persons comprising five students, three female teachers and driver among the occupants of the bus.
After the abduction of the pupils, tutors and driver, the kidnappers demanded N100 million for their release and subsequently threatened to kill all of them if the ransom asked for was not paid promptly.
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However, in a short video clip which went viral on Sunday morning, the freed pupils and their teachers were sighted sitting on the floor and looking exhausted.
Confirming the release of the abductees, a government official from Emure Ekiti said: “The abductees are here, the parents and family members are here. I will give you details shortly.”
Prior to this, unconfirmed reports had earlier emerged on Saturday, stating that they had been released but in a swiftly counter, the Ekiti State Police Command debunked the report.
It is, however, not yet certain if the victims who were said to have regained their freedom in the early hours of Sunday were rescued by security operatives or released after payment of ransom.
Meanwhile, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday assured parents and families of kidnapped pupils and staff of the Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti, that they would soon be rescued to rejoin them.
