Bandits on Sunday released only twenty-eight students of the Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State after 20 days in captivity, leaving 87 more in the kidnappers’ den.
They were part of the 121 students who were abducted within the school premises on July 5.
Reports say the abductors collected a sum of N50m as ransom before releasing the students, a development which created mixed reactions and anxiety as parents of those still in captivity were further traumatised.
It was gathered that the bandits demanded N60m ransom but the school and some parents who only able to raise N50m.
A parent, whose daughter was not released, said they were surprised that the bandits held some of the students back.
“The school and some parents raised N50m. Some parents contributed the amount they could afford. The bandits told the school to bring the money to a designated place. The money was taken to them. We thought they would release all the students, but we were surprised when only 28 were released. My daughter is among those still in captivity. I am praying for her safety.”
The released students arrived the school premises amidst songs around 11:21am on Sunday, looking pale with some having rashes.
In his address to parents, the Proprietor of the school who doubles as the President of the Kaduna Baptist Conference, Rev. Ishaya Jangado, disclosed that the bandits said the abducted students would be released in batches.
He appealed to parents to remain calm, adding that the “good Lord who started the work, will complete it”.
Meanwhile, parents of the 83 students of the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri, Kebbi State who were still in captivity since their abduction 40 days ago, said their abductors were still insisting on the release of their colleagues arrested colleagues by security agents before they could release be abductees.