Kidnappers of six pupils of Igbonla Model College, Epe, Lagos State, have contacted some parents of the victims, demanding N1bn ransom to release them.
Sunday punch learnt that the parents were contacted on Saturday and allowed to briefly speak with their children. While two of them were asked to pay N400m each, another two were told to raise N100m per child.
They were reportedly told to meet with the school authorities and the state government to raise the money.
Some parents of the abducted schoolchildren, who spoke to punch correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the kidnappers called between 3pm and 5pm on Saturday.
A parent said,
“They allowed me to speak with my son. I asked him if he was fine and he said yes. They asked me to meet with the school authorities to raise N400m for my child to be released.” Another parent of one of the pupils said they begged the kidnappers that they had only menial jobs when they demanded the same amount. “I said N400m was much, but one of them told me not to worry myself. He said I should meet with the school authorities and the government. I was also allowed to speak with my child. I spoke with two other parents and they said they were asked to pay N100m each,” the parent said.
When contacted on the telephone, the school Vice Principal, Academic, who did not disclose his name, said, “I’m sorry. I cannot volunteer information for you. I’m not permitted to speak to you. Thank you.” The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said the police had yet to be informed about the ransoms, adding that investigations were ongoing.”
