The parents of 121 abducted Bethel Baptist School, Maramara, in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, shunned Sallah celebrations as they converged at the school’s premises, praying and fasting for the safe return of their children.
Since the abduction of their children, they have remained sleepless.
Muslims Parents among them prayed within the school premises, as tears rolled down their cheeks.
When reporters visited the school on Tuesday afternoon, many parents were seen praying anxiously, while others showed faces of tiredness, looking weak and depressed.
Already, bandits have demanded for a ransom of N60 million from parents of the 121 abducted school students and same amount from the management of the school.
“The little we can afford was rejected by the kidnappers who in turn threatened them and later gave a deadline for the payment of the ransom,” a parent of one of the students said as tears rolled down his cheeks.
Speaking in an interview, a Muslim parent, Alhaji Yahaya Umar said, “I don’t even know if today is public holiday. I have been coming to this school since my child was kidnapped.”
“The huge amount they (kidnappers) demanded from us, is unbearable. I have no job, what my wife is doing is what is sustaining us and paying school fees of my children, including the abducted one. What will I do now?” He said tearfully
Also, Mrs, Maryam Abdullahi whose daughter was also abducted said she had known no peace since her daughter was taken away.
“I have not slept up to an hour since they abducted my daughter along with others. Most times I am here, praying. What is Sallah celebrations in the absence of my daughter? I am looking unto God for my daughter to return,” she said.
Recall that penutimate week, the kidnappers released one of the abducted students who was sick after the parents paid undisclosed amount.