Rev. John Joseph Hayab, the Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has disclosed that the Christian group paid a ransom of N250 million to secure the release of 21 students from Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna who were abducted in July 2021.
Hayab, who led the parents and family of Treasure Ayuba, the last student to escape from captivity about a week ago, on a courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani, emphasized the need to clarify the misinformation circulating that it was the students who chose to remain with the kidnappers. The CAN Chairman explained:
“Contrary to such claims, there was no indication that the young boy willingly chose to stay with his captors. A total of N250 million was paid as ransom to secure the release of the 121 students. Today, we are gathered here with mixed emotions – relief, joy, and gratitude. We are here to welcome back Treasure Ayuba, the last of the kidnapped students from Bethel Baptist High School, Kaduna, who were taken from their school hostel on the night of July 5, 2021, by bandits.
“To the best of CAN’s knowledge, an amount exceeding Two Hundred and Fifty Million (N250,000,000) Naira was paid as ransom to secure the release of these 121 kidnapped children. However, Treasure’s ordeal took a heartbreaking turn, further compounded by false narratives suggesting that he did not wish to leave the kidnappers’ den.
“Let it be known that CAN is fully aware of the dedicated efforts made by Treasure’s family, relatives, and well-wishers to bring him home. Adding to their distress, the kidnappers repeatedly seized the individuals dispatched with the ransom, prolonging Treasure’s agonizing captivity until divine intervention occurred.
“On Thursday, November 2, 2023, I received a call from Treasure’s parents confirming his safe return after 28 months in captivity… Treasure’s miraculous return is not only a moment of triumph for Treasure and his family but also for Bethel Baptist High School, the Baptist community, Kaduna State, Nigeria, and humanity as a whole.
“Treasure’s kidnapping, along with that of his fellow students, serves as a painful reminder of the challenges our nation faces. The abduction of schoolchildren and students from educational institutions underscores the threats to our educational system and the safety of our youth. As we stand here today, welcoming Treasure back to the embrace of his family, the church, compassionate individuals, and the government of Kaduna State, we are reminded of our resilience and determination, transcending religious and ethnic affiliations.”
