In a distressing turn of events, the perpetrators behind the kidnapping of pupils and teachers from the Apostolic School in Emure-Ekiti have made contact with the victims' parents, demanding a staggering N10 million ransom for each of the ten individuals abducted.

The incident unfolded on Monday, January 29, when the school bus, transporting six pupils, three teachers, and the driver, was intercepted and abducted at approximately 5 pm in Eporo-Ekiti, near the Emure area of the state. Investigations reveal that the victims were taken to a forested area.

Reliable sources within the community reported that the kidnappers reached out to the parents and relatives of the victims on Tuesday, January 30, requesting a total of N100 million to secure the release of the 10 individuals. The gunmen warned of harm to the victims if the ransom was not swiftly provided.

Expressing deep concern and apprehension, a family source disclosed, "There is confusion and apprehension in the land at the moment." Parents are urgently calling on both state and federal governments, as well as security agencies, to ensure the safe return of their children.

It is noteworthy that this disturbing incident occurred on the same day when gunmen tragically shot and killed two traditional rulers in the Oke-Ako axis of Ikole Local Government Area in the state, raising heightened concerns about security in the region. The authorities are under increasing pressure to address the escalating security challenges and protect the lives of citizens.

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