“The operation shall continue as we want to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law”.
The kidnapped pupils and teachers of Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti have regained their freedom.
They were released in the early hours of Sunday after spending about a week in the kidnappers’ den
But sources said that the driver of the bus was shot dead by the kidnappers.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, who confirmed the release said, “All victims were rescued today at about 1:30am, but unfortunately, we lost the driver who, we suspect, was killed by the abductors”.
Nine persons comprising five school children, three teachers and driver were kidnapped on Monday evening along Emure – Eporo Road while returning to Eporo after closing at school.
The kidnappers shot at the bus and later whisked away the nine persons among the occupants of the bus.
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 the eight person released were weak and required medical attention.
“I was among the search party. We entered into the bush at about 7pm on Saturday. They were rescued in a forest between Owo and Akoko in the Ondo State end at about 1.30am. But unfortunately, we lost the driver. He was killed before we got there”. But apart from him, all others are back.
“The people are weak, I believe they will be in government hospital at Emure now. We are expecting more doctors from the state capital, for medical attention,” the source said.
The police spokesperson, Abutu, who said that no arrest was made, said, “The operation shall continue as we want to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law”.
