Gunmen have kidnapped six pupils and three teachers from a private school in Emure, located in the headquarters of Emure local government area of Ekiti state.
The abduction occurred on the same day that armed men killed two traditional rulers in the Oke-Ako axis of Ikole local government area.
As reported by The Nation, it was gathered that the school bus transporting the pupils and teachers, along with the driver, was ambushed by the kidnappers around 5pm on Monday, along the Eporo-Ekiti road.
Sources reveal that the kidnappers intercepted the bus at a vulnerable spot on the road and took the victims to the forest, leaving the bus behind.
According to a source, “They were kidnapped after their school bus was intercepted in Eporo Ekiti, at a location that shares a boundary with Ondo state on Monday evening.”
The police spokesman, Sunday Abutu, was unavailable for comment but the Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji, confirmed the incident and urged citizens not to lose hope over the abduction of the school pupils and teachers.
He reassured that concerted efforts are underway to safely rescue the children, teachers, and the driver.
Governor Oyebanji condemned the kidnapping as cruel and unacceptable, vowing to spare no effort in securing their release.
A statement from the governor’s special adviser on media outlined that security agencies in the state are actively pursuing the abductors with the aim of bringing the pupils and teachers back unharmed.
Governor Oyebanji emphasized the ramping up of security measures across the state to eradicate criminal elements from their hiding places.
While urging citizens to remain calm and vigilant, he appealed for cooperation with security agencies by providing relevant information.
Christiana Alabi-Akande
