TheCable

Three students of 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.

Joseph Hayab, chairman of the Kaduna state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said they were released on Sunday.

He told TheCable that the three students had escaped from captivity before the recent release of 28 of their colleagues.

Hayab said the students were kidnapped by a different set of bandits after they escaped from those who abducted them from their school and were trying to find their way out of the bushes.

He said the new abductors demanded a ransom of N10 million for their release, adding that they were set free after a series of negotiations.

“The students had escaped from their captors three days before the recent release of 28 of their colleagues,” he told TheCable.

“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 lamented that the children had suffered in the den of two groups of bandits.

On July 5, bandits invaded the Bethel Baptist School and abducted 121 students.

One of the students who fell ill was released by the bandits while six others escaped, and on June 25, the bandits released 28 of the students.

The bandits are now demanding N50 million for the release of the remaining 83 students being held.