Jumoke Olasunkanmi
The school children abducted by bandits in Ekiti last week Monday have been released in the early hours of Sunday, seven days after their abduction on January 29.
The children, identified as pupils of The Apostolic Faith Group of Schools in Emure-Ekiti, regained freedom alongside their teachers. However, the driver was reported to have been killed by the kidnappers during the ordeal.
Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, confirmed the release in a press statement signed by his special adviser on media. Oyebanji attributed the successful rescue to President Bola Tinubu’s directive that prioritised the search and rescue mission. The statement reads, “The governor expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for giving specific directives that put the search and rescue mission on top gear.”
The governor also extended appreciation to the security agencies for their collaborative efforts during the search for the students. The statement acknowledged the support of Ekitikete at home and abroad during the challenging security situation experienced last week.
The statement also noted that the commissioner for health and human services, Oyebanji Filani, has been mandated to ensure the children receive proper medical treatment and post-trauma therapy. The children will be taken to the state’s teaching hospital for comprehensive care.
