Following the release of the pupils and teachers of the Apostolic Faith Montessori School in Emure Ekiti kidnapped on January 29, 2024 on Sunday, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has lauded President Bola Tinubu for his support that led to the timely rescue of the victims.
The Matrix gathered that the schoolchildren were released earlier on Sunday, however, the driver, who was also among the abductees, was killed and burnt by the assailants.
Describing their release as timely, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support that led to the rescue of the victims.
The governor’s gratitude was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, while disclosing that the pupils and their teachers were released on February 4 and brought to the Elemure Palace around 4 am on Sunday.
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“The Governor while congratulating the children and their families, expresses his profound appreciation to President Tinubu for giving specific directives that put the search and rescue mission on top gear.
“He also thanks the security agencies for their collaborative efforts during the search for the students, just as he extends appreciation to Ekitikete home and abroad for their support during the security situation experienced last week,” the statement read.
“Noting the traumatic experience of the children in the kidnappers’ den, Governor Oyebanji has directed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani to take the children to the state Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti for proper medical treatment and post-trauma therapy.
“The Governor, who kept vigil with Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele till 3.00 am to ensure the release of the children, acknowledges the solidarity shown by his colleague governors, former governors of the state as well as religious leaders, and traditional rulers.”
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While the abductors had demanded N10 million each before releasing the 10 victims, he was however silent on whether any ransom was paid.
“However, the driver of the school bus was reported killed in the custody of the kidnappers,” the governor’s spokesman added.
