The Ekiti State police command has announced the arrest of eight suspects believed to be part of a kidnapping group responsible for the abduction of five students, three teachers, and a driver from Apostolic Faith School.
Truthlive news recall that the victims were kidnapped on January 29 while traveling to Emure-Ekiti when their school bus was stopped by attackers in Eporo-Ekiti. Thankfully, they were freed on February 4 after their families reportedly paid a ransom of N15 million.
During a press briefing in Ekiti, Abutu Sunday, the police spokesperson, revealed that the arrests were made following a tip-off about armed men planning to kidnap expatriates at a dairy farm in Ikun Ekiti.
According to Sunday, operatives apprehended Abubakar Aliyu, who was spying on the expatriates’ location. Subsequently, two vigilante members, Saliu Ibrahim and Umaru Saliu, were arrested for attempting to secure Aliyu’s release from police custody.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Mohammed Bashiru, the leader of the Miyetti Allah vigilante in Oro-Ago, Kwara State. Bashiru disclosed his connection to Sumo Karami, the leader of the kidnapping gang responsible for the Emure-Ekiti abduction.
Additionally, two other gang members, Yahaya Jubril and Usman Garba, were apprehended in Owo forest, Ondo State.
The spokesperson further said that one of the gang members identified as Ayuba was shot dead during a gun duel when operatives were attempting to make an arrest.
He added that the phone used to demand ransom for the release of the abducted pupils and teachers had been retrieved.
