Lagos Kidnapped Students: Ambode, Parents Celebrate Release

After almost two months in captivity, the Nigerian police have reportedly rescued the six school students kidnapped from Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe in Lagos State.

Wild jubilation broke out Friday afternoon as news filtered in that the students were freed at Aboto Creek in Ilaje local government area of Ondo State.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted a statement by the Lagos State Government as expressing delight that the students, abducted since May 25, 2017, have now been released.

Issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the statement congratulated parents of the students and all concerned stakeholders over the development that ended the about 60 days of trauma for the government and people of Lagos state as well as all well-meaning Nigerians.

Ayorinde assured that the students would immediately undergo series of medicals and trauma therapy before reuniting with their families, colleagues and friends.

According to him, “This is a welcome development and the State Government has always believed that the students would be released unhurt.

“The news of their release is therefore a confirmation of that belief and we are glad that they would be reuniting with their families.”

Ayorinde said Lagos State government remains determined in its commitment to ensure the safety of lives and property of all residents in the State with a notch in security arrangements for in schools to prevent future occurrence.

The Commissioner further stated that, “It is on record that the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration has invested massively on equipment and welfare of security personnel so as to ensure that the State remains safe for residents and investors.”

“This Government has already taken giant steps to secure all our schools, especially those in the suburbs and riverine areas and we are confident that the steps taken so far will go a long way in nipping a repeat of such in the bud,” Ayorinde added.

He also quoted Governor Ambode as praising the efforts of security agencies and personnel that worked tirelessly to ensure the safe release and return of the students.