Five school children and their teachers, who were abducted by unknown gunmen on January 29, 2024, in Emure-Ekiti, have been freed today after a joint operation by the security forces and local volunteers.
The victims, who were students and staff of the Government Science Secondary School, Emure-Ekiti, were on their way to school when they were ambushed by the armed kidnappers, who demanded a ransom of N50 million for their release.
The Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with the Police, the Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies, launched a rescue mission to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the hostages. They were also assisted by local vigilantes, hunters, and individuals, who provided intelligence and support.
After six days of intensive search and negotiation, the security forces located the hideout of the kidnappers in a forest near Ikere-Ekiti and engaged them in a gun battle.
The kidnappers were overpowered and fled, leaving behind the hostages, who were unhurt and reunited with their families.
The Ekiti State Government and the Police have expressed their gratitude to all the stakeholders who contributed to the successful rescue operation.
They also assured the public that they would continue to work together to ensure the safety and security of the citizens and prevent such incidents from happening again.
