Parents in Ekiti seek help for abducted students and staff.
The recent abduction of pupils and staff from the Apostolic Faith Group of School, Emure-Ekiti, has left families and the community in distress. The harrowing experience has prompted a desperate plea from the parents and relatives of the victims to the Ekiti State Government for assistance in securing the safe release of their loved ones.
The situation became more dire when the kidnappers demanded a hefty ransom of N100 million for each of the nine individuals held captive. Although the abductors later reduced the ransom to N15 million, the families have managed to gather only N7 million, leaving them with a shortfall of N8 million to meet the demand and secure the release of their loved ones.
The emotional toll on the families is evident as they recount the distressing details of their interactions with the kidnappers. Mr. Adebisi Jegede, whose wife and 12-year-old son are among the captives, expressed the anguish of the parents, stating that the kidnappers have made it clear that they will not release the victims unless the full ransom is paid.
The heartbreaking accounts of the parents, such as that of Mr. Oluwadare Oniya, father of a nine-year-old girl, highlight the urgency of the situation. The families are pleading with the government to intervene and ensure the safe return of their loved ones. Their desperation is palpable as they describe the conditions in which the abductees are being held, including the lack of food and water.
The gravity of the situation has prompted the involvement of government officials, with Princess Toyin Agbaje-Malomo, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Interest Groups, assuring the families of ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of the captives. She conveyed the governor’s commitment to resolving the crisis and reuniting the abducted individuals with their families.
In the midst of this distressing situation, the support and intervention of the government are paramount. The families are relying on the government to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and staff. The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated, and the families’ plea for assistance underscores the critical need for immediate action.
The community stands in solidarity with the affected families, hoping for a swift and positive resolution to this distressing ordeal. It is imperative that the government take decisive steps to address the situation and ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals.
The outpouring of support from the community and the unwavering commitment of the government to resolve this crisis are essential in bringing an end to the suffering of the affected families. It is our collective responsibility to stand with these families in their time of need and work towards a swift and successful resolution to this distressing situation.
As we await further developments, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the abducted individuals, and we remain hopeful for their safe return.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye declared that peace would elude anybody attempting to meddle with the nation’s monarchy.
“The fire of God will consume all those trying to mess around with our traditional rulers,” the Pentecostal preacher declared during the church’s monthly Holy Ghost Service programme tagged ‘From the Mountain Top 2’.
“Because, as far as God is concerned, traditional rulers are anointed,” Adeboye said.
Two prominent monarchs in Ekiti, Oba David Ogunsola of Esun-Ekiti and Oba Olatunde Olusola of Imojo-Ekiti, were assassinated on Monday while returning from a meeting in Irele-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Some pupils and teachers were also abducted in the interconnected attacks.
Security forces, including the police, have sent an armoured vehicle and a helicopter to Ekiti and promised to apprehend those responsible.
Nigerians are still calling for prompt justice and a stop to the pandemic of kidnappings and killings in the nation.
