The pupils and teachers of the Apostolic Faith Montessori School in Emure Ekiti kidnapped on January 29 have regained their freedom.

The schoolchildren were released earlier on Sunday. However, the driver, who was also among the abductees, was killed and burnt by the assailants.

The Ekiti State Government has also confirmed the release of the victims, saying the pupils and their teachers were released on February 4 and brought to the Elemure Palace around 4 am, but remained silent whether any ransom was paid, as the abductors had demanded N10 million each before releasing the 10 victims.

Describing their release as timely, the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support that led to the rescue of the victims.

Noting the traumatic experience of the children in the kidnappers’ den, Governor Oyebanji has directed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani to take the children to the state Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti for proper medical treatment and post-trauma therapy.