Finally, Abducted Ekiti Pupils, Teachers Released, School Bus Driver, Killed

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for ensuring the release of abducted school children in the state.

Report revealed that the pupils and their teachers were left off the hook around 2.00am Sunday after five days in kidnappers den.

The driver of the school bus was, however, unlucky. He was killed by the kidnappers.

It was, however, not certain if ransome was paid. But another report stated that the sum of N7 million was paid by parents of the pupils.

A statement on Sunday by the Special Adviser, Media to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode,  stated that “the Governor wishes to thank 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 children and their teachers were released in the wee hours on Sunday, February 4th, and brought to the Elemure Palace around 4am.

“However,  the driver of the school bus was reportedly, killed in the custody of the kidnappers.

“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 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.”

Governor Oyebanji  also restated 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 would be fished out and made to face the maximum weight of the law.

He urged the people of the state to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement in their communities to the authorities.