Parents of kidnapped Ekiti pupils have recounted the harrowing details of securing their children’s release, involving a peculiar mix of offerings – fried rice, black bullets, energy drinks, milk, and a hefty ₦15 million ransom.
The schoolchildren, from the Apostolic Faith Group of Schools in Emure-Ekiti, fell victim to abduction while returning home in a school bus, sparking a tense negotiation process with the kidnappers demanding an initial ₦100 million.
Amidst negotiations, the ransom was eventually reduced to ₦15 million, coupled with an unusual request for items like tramadol, fried rice with chicken, tin milk, black bullet, and energy drinks.
One parent, speaking anonymously to PeoplesGazette, revealed the daunting journey to a remote Ondo state bush, where they exchanged the ransom and items for the release of the children.
“The kidnappers insisted on collecting N15 million on Saturday, and we rallied around the communities, including our people outside the country, to see the ransom. They even collected a cartoon of tin milk, black bullet, fried rice with chicken, soft and energy drinks and tramadol from us.
“We were asked to take the money and the items to a bush in Ondo state, a farmstead called Ago Paanu, at about 7:00 p.m. It was between Oba Akoko and Owo. Before they could release them, they confirmed the money and those items. We walked through the bush till around 1:00 a.m. when we saw the victims.”
In a strange twist, another parent disclosed how the kidnappers directed them to Ikare Junction, demanding food purchases before altering the location and describing a route only accessible by large vehicles.
“The kidnappers were calling that we should hurry up. They said we should meet them at Ikare Junction. I wondered how come Ikare junction when they took the children at Eporo.”
Fearing for the safety of the abductees, the parents strategically sent only two representatives to complete the exchange, securing the children’s release through a careful negotiation process.
While the police spokesman in Ekiti, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the children’s safe return, he remained tight-lipped about ransom payment details.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed gratitude for the release, acknowledging the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies, and the people of Ekiti in ensuring the timely resolution of the kidnapping ordeal.
