Parents Fear for Safety of Abducted Ekiti Schoolchildren as Kidnappers Threaten to Kill Them
Despite negotiations, the kidnappers have maintained their demand for prompt payment of the reduced ransom, warning that the children's condition is deteriorating and that they will resort to violence if their demands are not met.
AKACHI NOEL 
The parents of five pupils and four staff members from the Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti, are gripped by fear as kidnappers threaten to kill their loved ones if ransom demands are not met swiftly. According to reports, the abductors have reduced their ransom demand to N15 million.
The ordeal began when gunmen ambushed a bus carrying over 25 pupils on the Emure-Ekiti — Iporo Ekiti road after school hours. Despite negotiations, the kidnappers have maintained their demand for prompt payment of the reduced ransom, warning that the children's condition is deteriorating and that they will resort to violence if their demands are not met.
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Pastor Clement Adebisi, whose wife Mary was among the kidnapped staff members, recounted the harrowing experience of speaking with the kidnappers, who emphasized the urgency of the ransom payment due to the declining health of the children. Another parent, Adebisi Jegede, shared a similar sentiment, expressing concern for the safety of his wife and daughter, who are among the victims, as the kidnappers continue to threaten violence.
Efforts by the police to address the situation have led to the arrest of 13 suspects in connection with the killing of two Ekiti monarchs, further highlighting the escalating security challenges in the region. The police have intensified operations in various forests across Ekiti and Ondo states, where the suspects were apprehended.
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Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. In response, the IG has deployed additional personnel and assets to Zone 17, Akure, Ondo State, to address the security concerns and restore peace to the affected areas.
The Ekiti Council of Elders has also condemned the recent attacks and kidnappings, calling for urgent action to address the security crisis. The council emphasized the need for collaboration between the government and security agencies to combat the growing threat posed by criminal elements in the region.
As the community grapples with the ongoing security challenges, parents anxiously await the safe return of their abducted children, hoping that swift action by law enforcement authorities will lead to their rescue and the apprehension of those responsible for the heinous acts.
