Kidnappers of the four pupils and 2 staff of the Lagos Junior Model College, Igbonla, Epe have given families of the captives 48 hours to pay the ransom, Punch reports.

It was gathered that the kidnappers also told the families that the health condition of the pupil reported to be sick has worsened.

According to Punch, the ransom was also reduced to N6m.

A source said the kidnappers gave them a 48-hour ultimatum to pay, as the condition of the sick schoolboy had worsened.

He said, “The men called on Monday and said they gave the family till Wednesday to pay the ransom. While the family members begged them, the kidnappers let them realise that the health of the boy had worsened, but they would not release him without a good ransom. They had come down from N3.5m to N1m ransom.

“The boy’s family has been able to raise some money and they were begging the gunmen to accept what they had. I hope the kidnappers will have mercy and consider the condition of the sick pupil, and let him go.”

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, however said rescue operation was in progress.

Azeez