Abductors have freed kidnapped schoolgirls and teachers in Kaduna State, 9News Nigeria gathers.
Six female pupils and two teachers of the Engravers College, Kakau Daji in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, who were kidnapped on Thursday October 3, have been released by their abductors.
The pupils and the two staff were released after the payment of ransom, 9News correspondent learnt.
“They were released after the payment of an additional N10m which was taken to the kidnappers on Friday. You know the parents earlier raised N3.6m as ransom but the kidnappers said it was small. This brings the total amount paid as ransom to N13.6m,” a source said.
The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity told our correspondent that the pupils and their teachers were released by their abductors on Saturday morning.
The source stated that the process to secure the release of the girls and their Vice Principal (academics) and matron, began on Friday.
“We took additional N10m to them and they have now released the children and our staff. We have just evacuated them. They (kidnappers) released them this morning.
“We paid the ransom (N10m) yesterday (Friday). They started moving out yesterday but it was late. So, they have to sleep at one point, then, this morning, they continued their journey.”
The Kaduna State Government, in a statement by the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, said it was relieved that the kidnappers have finally released them after 23 days in captivity.
“The students and staff of the Engravers College who were abducted have regained their freedom today, Saturday, 26 October 2019.
“We are relieved that this criminal violation of the right to liberty is over and that they are all back safely”, Mr. Aruwan said.
“The victims, most of whom are minors, and their families will now be focusing on recovering from this undeserved trauma. We appeal for considerate reporting of their ordeal and respect for their privacy.
“As we continue to combat banditry, kidnapping and other crimes, the Kaduna State Government urges all our communities not to give comfort to criminals.
“The state government calls for vigilance in all our communities and continued cooperation with the security agencies in this battle to secure our state and all who live in it.”
