Abductors of pupils and teachers of The Apostolic Faith Montessori School in Emure Ekiti have demanded a ransom of N10m each for the abductees.
Five pupils, four teachers, and the school’s bus driver were abducted earlier in the week while returning to Eporo Ekiti at the close of school.
Days after the incident, the families of the victims and a representative of the school confirmed there had been contact with the abductors and they are demanding a ransom of N10m for each abductee.
They bemoaned the activities of gunmen in the area and appealed to the government at all levels to ensure the provision of adequate security for all Nigerians.
On its part, the Ekiti State Police Command said operatives have been deployed to rescue the abductees.
Residents are also optimistic security agents will fulfill their promise and rescue their loved ones.
The Ekiti State Government had earlier promised to work with security agencies to rescue the victims.
It said “security agencies in the state are already on the trail of the abductors with a mandate to bring the pupils and their teachers back safely”.
“Governor Oyebanji said security is being stepped up across the state with a view to flushing out criminal elements from their hideouts,” the government added.
“While calling on the citizens to remain calm and vigilant, he urged them to cooperate with security agencies, by making available relevant information to the authorities.”