In a positive turn of events, the nine abducted school pupils and teachers from Emure Ekiti have been released, marking the end of their harrowing ordeal.The victims, who were kidnapped while traveling in their school bus along Emure Eporo road last week, regained their freedom at 2 am today. Unfortunately, the driver lost his life during the abduction, while the other eight individuals were successfully rescued.Emure Local Government Chairman, Mr Adebayo Oluwatosin, confirmed the release, stating that the now-liberated victims are currently in the palace of Elemure of Emure Ekiti.Ekiti State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, provided further details, saying, “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 the people of Ekiti for their support, which played a pivotal role in the timely release of the kidnapped pupils. Governor Oyebanji conveyed his congratulations to the children and their families and appreciated President Tinubu for providing specific directives that expedited the search and rescue mission.Acknowledging the traumatic experience of the children, Governor Oyebanji directed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services to ensure they receive proper medical treatment and post-trauma therapy at the state Teaching Hospital in Ado Ekiti.The governor, along with Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, remained vigilant until 3:00 am during the rescue operation. He also expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by colleagues, former governors, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and members of the National Assembly and the state House of Assembly.Despite the challenges, Governor Oyebanji reiterated his administration’s commitment to eradicating crime and criminality in the state, making it an inhospitable environment for criminals.The initial incident occurred when gunmen ambushed the school bus on Eporo-Ekiti road, leading to the abduction of pupils, teachers, and the driver. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N100 million, later reducing it to N15 million, with threats to harm the victims if the payment was delayed. A concerned relative pleaded for assistance from Nigerians, the state, and federal governments to rescue the innocent children from their captors.
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