The harrowing ordeal faced by the families of five pupils and four staff members of the Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti, continues as the kidnappers issue a chilling ultimatum, threatening to end the lives of their victims if a N15 million ransom is not paid promptly. The desperate families revealed to The PUNCH on Thursday that the abductors had lowered their initial demand of N100 million.
The tragic incident unfolded on the Emure-Ekiti — Iporo Ekiti road when gunmen attacked a bus carrying over 25 pupils from the school after closing hours. In a series of telephone interviews, relatives of the victims disclosed that negotiations with the kidnappers led to a reduction in the ransom demand, but the perpetrators insisted on swift payment, citing the deteriorating health of the abducted children.
The Principal of the secondary section of the school, Boje Olanireti, confirmed that five pupils and four staff members were taken by the gunmen. Meanwhile, the same day witnessed the killing of two Ekiti monarchs – the Onimojo of Imojo, Oba Olatunde Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin. The Alara of Ara Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Fatoba, narrowly escaped the attackers.
Pastor Clement Adebisi, whose wife, Mary, was among the kidnapped staff members, expressed the urgency conveyed by the abductors during their recent communication. He recounted that his wife was taken, leaving their three children behind, and mentioned the kidnappers’ warning of dire consequences if the ransom is not paid promptly.
Adebisi Jegede, another parent, revealed that his wife, Esther, and daughter Ogoolami, were victims of the abduction. He narrated the kidnappers’ threats to kill their captives if the demanded ransom was not delivered, recounting the distressing situation faced by his family.
Oluwadare Oniya, the father of nine-year-old Peace among the victims, shared that the kidnappers rejected an initial offer of N500,000 and escalated their demand to N15 million. A source close to the affected families disclosed that around N3 million has been raised so far to secure the release of the kidnapped individuals.
In a related development, the Ekiti State Police Command announced on Thursday that they had arrested eight more suspects in connection with the killing of the two Ekiti obas. The police had previously apprehended five suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to 13.
Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, emphasized the commitment of the law enforcement agency to ensuring justice for the slain monarchs and the safe release of the kidnapped victims. The suspects are currently in custody, awaiting further legal action.
The communities affected are gripped by fear and uncertainty as efforts intensify to secure the release of the abducted individuals and bring the perpetrators to justice. The police urge anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
