Abductors of Ekiti pupils killed bus driver in captivity – Police

The driver of Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure-Ekiti, Ekiti State, who was abducted alongside some pupils and teachers has been killed.

DSP Sunday Abutu, Police Public Relations Officer in Ekiti, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday morning.

Daily Trust had earlier reported the release of the victims.

Confirming the release, Abutu said, “The victims were rescued today, Sunday at about 1.30a.m, but unfortunately, we lost the driver who was suspectedly  killed by the abductors”.

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Abutu added that no arrest had been made but the operation would continue so as to make the perpetrators face the full wrath of the law.

He was silent on whether a ransom was paid or not.

The children and their teachers were kidnapped while returning home from school on Monday evening.

Meanwhile, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has welcomed the release of the victims, saying he kept vigil over the incident.

In a statement by Yinka Oyebode, his spokesman, the governor thanked President Bola Tinubu, security agencies and all those who made it possible.

“The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, wishes to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Security agencies and Ekitikete for their support which led to the timely release of the kidnapped pupils of Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary school, Emure Ekiti.”

“The children and their teachers were released in the wee hours on Sunday, February 4th, and brought to the Elemure palace around 4am. However, the driver of the school bus was reported killed in the custody of the kidnappers.

“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.

“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 3.00am to ensure the release of the children, acknowledges the solidarity shown by his colleagues governors, former governors of the state as well as religious leaders and traditional rulers.

“He urges the people of the state to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement in their communities to the authorities.”