The children and teachers of Apostolic Faith Montessori School in Emure Ekiti, who were abducted on January 29, have been released. Nine individuals, comprising the pupils and teachers, were kidnapped while traveling in their school bus along Emure Eporo road last week and were set free at 2 am today.

Mr. Adebayo Oluwatosin, the Chairman of Emure Local Government, confirmed the news to reporters in a telephone conversation this morning, stating that the victims were currently at the palace of the Elemure of Emure Ekiti. Tragically, the driver lost his life, while the remaining eight regained their freedom.

Ekiti State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the rescue, stating, “All victims were rescued today at about 1:30 am but unfortunately, we lost the driver who was suspectedly killed by the abductors.”

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies, and Ekitikete for their assistance, which facilitated the timely release of the abducted pupils. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji congratulated the children and their families and thanked President Tinubu for providing specific directives that accelerated the search and rescue efforts.

Governor Oyebanji directed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, to ensure the children receive proper medical treatment and post-trauma therapy at the state Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of all residents.

The school bus carrying the pupils and three teachers, along with the driver, was ambushed by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers along Eporo-Ekiti road on Monday. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100 million for their release. However, after numerous appeals, the ransom was reduced to N15 million, with threats to harm the victims if the payment was delayed. The families, state, and federal governments appealed for assistance in rescuing the children from their captors.