John Shiklam
Three students of the Bethel Baptist High School, Kaduna, who escaped from captivity but were re-abducted by another set of bandits have regained their freedom after payment of ransom.
Confirming their release in a telephone chat, the Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the students were released on Sunday.
He said the three students had escaped from captivity before the recent released of 28 of their colleagues.
According to him, the three students were abducted by a different set of bandits after their escaped from the bandits who abducted them from school and were trying to find their way out of the bushes.
He said the bandits demanded a ransom of N10 million for the release of the three children, adding that the children were released on Sunday after series of negotiations.
“The students had escaped from their captors three days before the recent release of 28 of their colleagues.
“But as they were trying to find their way out of the bushes, they were again abducted by another bandit.
“When the bandit got them, he called us and promised to return them, but he changed his mind the following day and said he will not return them until ransom is paid.
“He demanded for N10 million and we started negations and they were released today”, Hayab said.
He lamented that the children had suffered from one group of bandits to the other, adding that it was unfortunate that government had failed in addressing the security situation.
On July 5, bandits invaded the Bethel Baptist School, Damishi, Kaduna and abducted 121 of the students
One of the students was released by the bandits on health ground, while six others escaped.
On June 25, the bandits released 28 of the students. Sources said N100 million ransom was paid.
The bandits are still demanding additional N50 million for the release of the remaining 83 students being held.
