64 days after, six kidnapped Lagos College students regain freedom

.Ondo, Lagos govts react

Finally, six students of Igbonla Model College Epe, Lagos, abducted by gunmen suspected to be militants, on Friday, regained freedom after spending 64 days in captivity.

This is even as the Ondo State Government on Friday confirmed the negotiation that saw to the released of students.

Also, the Lagos State Government on Friday expressed excitement over the release of six students of Igbonla-Epe Model College who were abducted on May 25, 2017 in their school premises.

The Daily Times gathered that the secondary school students were released at about 3.30pm on Friday after a long negotiation between the parents of the abducted students and the government.

The abducted students were set free at a creek between the Ajakpa and Ugbonla communities in Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Top security sources, who confirmed the release of the students in telephone chat, said they were released due to pressure and intervention from the Ondo State Government.

One of the sources, who pleaded not to be named, explained that the rescue of the students was also a collaboration between the Nigeria Navy and the joint Military Task Force and the Nigerian Police.

The source specially explained that the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Agoola Ajayi, aided the smooth negotiation that saw to the release of the six students.

He said that the Ondo State government had been negotiating the release of the students for the past ten days.

“The release of the six students followed the great intervention of the government of the Ondo State after days of pressure and negotiations.

“Although, prominent people tried all they could to intervene and the kidnappers also vowed to release them (students) to the Lagos State Government.

“Even, the Delta State Government also tried its best to secure the release of the students but they could not.

“All of a sudden, I think the kidnappers changed their minds to release the students to the Ondo State Government alone after some talks.

“I know the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, who is from the waterside area, met with some leaders in the area and a negotiation was made.

“Eventually, the students were released by their abductors and the Navy and the marine police were contacted to transport the students outside the creek.

“Some of the students told us that they had been living comfortable with their abductors in the last 64 days”.

“One of them said they were being fed with bread and sardines while they also slept comfortably,” the source explained.

Although, the source claimed no ransom was paid but The Daily Times could not get more details of how the deal was made.

The six students have been transported to Lagos state by the security agents in a white Toyota bus.

The Daily Times learnt that the students are expected to join a flight to Abuja to meet with Acting Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibajo.

Osibanjo had earlier mandated the security agents to secure the release of the students within the shortest time.

The students were kidnapped on May 25, 2017 from their school hostel by gunmen who were clad in police uniform but later suspected to be militants who demanded ransom before their release.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Government on Friday confirmed the negotiation that saw to the released of six students of Igbonla Model College, Epe, Lagos State.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Segun Ajiboye, to the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, said the six students were freed from the creek through concerted efforts.

Ajiboye added that the students were rescued as a result of the effort of the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, who showed interest in the rescuing of the school children.

He also saluted the effort of the Lagos, Ogun, Delta states government and the security agencies for their role their great roles in ensuring the release of the students.

“We are happy to note the release of the six kidnapped students of Igbonla Model School, Epe, Lagos State.

“It is as a result of the determined and conscientious efforts of the Acting President, the governments of Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Delta states and the security agencies, including the Police, SSS and the Military.

“In the last few days, the deputy governors of Ondo and Delta states have worked tirelessly to ensure that the students are released,”Ajiboye said.

He disclosed that the six students would be handed over to the Deputy Governor of Lagos State for further actions.

“We thank Nigerians for their prayers, and charge security agencies to remain committed to their responsibility of ensuring the safety of the citizens”.

The names of the released students are Peter Jonah, Isiaq Rahmon, Adebayo George, Judah Agbausi, Pelumi Philips and Farouq Yusuf.

Reacting, the Lagos State Government expressed excitement over the release of six students.

In a press statement, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, congratulated the parents of the students and all concerned stakeholders over the development, just as he said the students would undergo series of medical tests and trauma therapy before they are reunited with their families.

“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.

He said the State Government remains resolute in its commitment to ensure the safety of lives and property of residents in the state and has already beefed up security in schools to prevent a re-occurrence.

“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 said.

The Commissioner also quoted Governor Ambode as commending the efforts of security agencies who worked tirelessly to ensure the safe release and return of the students.