Kidnappers of the four pupils, a teacher and a vice-principal of Lagos Junior Model College, Igbonla, Epe, Lagos State have given their families 48 hours to pay the ransoms placed on them.
This is just as the abductors told the families on Monday that the health condition of the schoolboy, reported to be sick, had worsened.
It was learnt that the ransoms demanded for the six victims had also been reduced to N6m.
The attackers, said to be five gunmen and a woman, had last Thursday, at about 8am, invaded the school during the morning prayers.
The abductors reportedly shot into the air before making away with the pupils, identified as Isaac Adebisi, Okonkwo Emmanuel, Abu and Jeremiah; the English Language/Civic Education teacher, Lukman Oyerinde, and the VP, A.O. Oyesola.
Our correspondent had also reported that the kidnappers, who were still believed to be within the Epe area, got across to the families of the victims on the following day and demanded N5m for each of them.
The gunmen were said to have also fired a warning shot while conversing with the families on the telephone as the families reportedly begged, promising to pay the ransoms.
It was also reported on Monday that one of the schoolboys fell sick in the kidnappers’ hideout, as the attackers warned the families to hurry on the payment of the ransoms.
The kidnappers, who reportedly told the family of the affected schoolboy that they had administered treatment to him, later reduced the ransom to N3.5m for each of the victims.
By Monday, the ransom was reportedly reduced to N1m for each of the victims.
A source said the kidnappers gave them a 48-hour ultimatum to pay, as the condition of the sick schoolboy had worsened.
He said, “The men called on Monday and said they gave the family till Wednesday to pay the ransom. While the family members begged them, the kidnappers let them realise that the health of the boy had worsened, but they would not release him without a good ransom. They had come down from N3.5m to N1m ransom.
“The boy’s family has been able to raise some money and they were begging the gunmen to accept what they had. I hope the kidnappers will have mercy and consider the condition of the sick pupil, and let him go.”
Another source, close to the family of one of the victims, told news men that the family members had raised three-quarter of the ransom, adding that the money was not sourced from the government.
She said, “It is true that they called to warn the parents that the boy’s health is deteriorating. They told them to bring the ransom before Wednesday. The family has been able to raise three-quarter of the money. They are rallying round for the remaining sum. Nobody from any quarters is assisting them to raise the ransom. They are begging the kidnappers and trying to meet the deadline.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said in a text message on Monday that rescue operation was in progress.
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Condolence Message from the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab.
I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred in our community, Epe, claiming the lives of two promising young adults, a dedicated tricycle driver, and leaving several other people injured. This heartbreaking accident has left our hearts heavy, as we mourn the loss of these young souls who were full of hope and dreams, and an industrious individual who worked tirelessly for his livelihood.
As a member of this community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends affected by this terrible loss. I can only imagine the pain you must feel, and I want you to know that you are not alone in this moment of grief.
Let us honor the memories of these individuals by advocating for safety and awareness on our roads. As we move forward, may we find comfort in community and strength in one another. May their souls rest in peace, and may their families find solace and healing in the days to come.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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