Gunmen abduct six students in Lagos

A gang of gunmen have attacked and kidnapped six male students from the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe.

This development is coming exactly seven months after a gang of militants had attacked and kidnapped four students and two staff including the vice – principal in October 2016.

Reports had it that the militants came through the waterways, gained entrance into the school through the fence at about 4:30 am on Thursday 25 May 2017.

The kidnappers were said to have shoot sporadically into the air, scaring the students who were still in their sleeping outfits, before going straight to the male hostel where they abducted the six boys.

Investigations revealed that the militants who were about 20 had earlier in the week, written to the school, informing the school authorities of their plan to strike.

The school management had promptly notified the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, who was said to have sent his men to take strategic positions around the school.

It was gathered that despite the heavy presence of the police, the militants who had stormed the school premises with sophisticated weapons, overpowered the security personnel.

Confirming the kidnap in a statement signed by the Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole stated that the incident happened at about 5 a.m on Thursday morning.

He said, “Today, at about 0500hrs, pirates/Kidnappers gained entrance into Igbonla Model School, Igbonla, near Epe and abducted six (6) students.

“Investigation and rescue operation have commenced with the visit to the affected School by a Police Team, led by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Owoseni.

“From the visit, it was found that the criminal elements used the Imeru/Iji waterway to access the swampy forest bordering the school, bore a hole on a part of the School fence to gain entrance.

“The dastardly act of these criminal elements is nothing other than sheer wickedness as there is no justification whatsoever to abduct innocent children.

“The trauma being gone through at this difficult moment by parents/guardians and relatives of the innocent children can be imagined.

“We however appeal for calmness to enable security agencies focus on rescue operations and apprehension of the suspects.

“The Police and other security agencies will intensify all necessary measures towards ensuring safety and security of the good people of Lagos.

“We will appreciate useful information from members of the public, please.” He concluded.