Kidnappers Demand N30m Ransom from Families of Abducted Ekiti School Children and Teachers

In a shocking incident, suspected herdsmen abducted six pupils, three teachers, and a school bus driver in Ekiti State on Monday night. The kidnapping occurred as they were returning from Eporo-Ekiti on the school bus. This tragic event follows the killing of two monarchs along Ipao-Oke Ako Road, adding to the escalating insecurity in the region.

The kidnapped pupils, from Apostolic Nursery and Primary School in Emure-Ekiti, have reportedly been contacted by the abductors, who are demanding a N30 million ransom for their release.

In a related development, a joint operation team, including the Ekiti State Police Command, Amotekun, OPC, Civil Defence, and Local Hunters, apprehended five suspected kidnappers in a bush combing operation. The suspects, claiming to be herdsmen, were found with weapons and communication devices.

The slain traditional rulers, Onimojo of Imojo and Elesun of Esun Ekiti, were ambushed by gunmen while returning from a function in Kogi State. The Alara of Ara Ekiti managed to escape the attack. Tensions are rising in the affected communities, with concerns about potential reprisals against herdsmen.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed deep concern over the incidents, assuring residents that security measures are being intensified to rescue the kidnapped children. President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to rescue the victims, vowing to ensure justice for the slain monarchs.

In response to the crisis, Ekiti and Ondo Police commands have launched a joint rescue operation. The Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union conducted a peace walk in Ado-Ekiti, calling for government intervention to ensure the safety of pupils and restore security.

Amid the turmoil, the Senate has summoned security chiefs for a meeting next week to address the escalating insecurity across the country. The House of Representatives plans to convene a National Legislative Security Summit to forge enduring solutions to the security challenges.

The situation reflects a broader pattern of insecurity, with over 180 kidnappings reported in Abuja, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Niger between December 2023 and January 2024. The need for urgent and decisive action to tackle the rising insecurity is emphasized by leaders, including Governor Makinde of Oyo State, who advocates for the establishment of state police.

As the nation grapples with these challenges, there is a collective call for swift and effective measures to ensure the safety of citizens and restore peace to the affected regions.

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