In a chilling development that has left many Nigerians in shock and mourning, a key suspect in the recent abduction and murder case involving a school nurse and a pupil in Abuja has confessed to the heinous crime. The suspect revealed that despite receiving a ransom payment, the victims were still killed.
The victims, a female nurse and a young student, were abducted last month from a private school in the Federal Capital Territory under what was initially believed to be a ransom-for-release scheme. The school and affected families were thrown into chaos, and efforts were swiftly made to secure the victims' freedom.
However, despite meeting the ransom demands, the victims were later discovered dead in a shallow grave on the outskirts of Abuja.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed that the nurse and child were held captive for days before being brutally murdered—even after the ransom was successfully collected.
"We got the money. But after that, we felt they had seen our faces. We didn’t want to leave witnesses," the suspect coldly stated during questioning by security officials. Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the other accomplices involved but confirmed that a manhunt is underway for the remaining members of the gang.
FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the arrest and added that the confession is helping in unraveling the full details of the incident.
"This case is deeply disturbing, not just for the brutality but for the betrayal of trust. A ransom was paid in good faith, with the hope of bringing loved ones home. Instead, we are faced with a double tragedy," she said.
Security operatives have intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects and are working closely with the school authorities, families of the victims, and relevant agencies to ensure justice is served.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has condemned the killings and called for expedited prosecution of the perpetrators. She also urged tighter security measures in schools across the country.
"This heartbreaking case shows the evil that still hides among us. We must respond with decisive justice and stronger protections for our children and caregivers,” the minister stated.
Meanwhile, civil society groups, child advocacy organizations, and members of the Abuja community held a candlelight vigil in memory of the victims, demanding justice and systemic reforms.