Lagos govt assures on enhanced security

Aftermath of release of #Igbonla6

By Nsikan Ikpe

In the wake of the celebrated release of the six school boys that had been held by kidnappers for 65 days on Friday, the Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to the security of all residents in the state even as it formally expressed its excitement over the development.

It will be recalled that the six boys, who are students of Igbonla-Epe Model College had been abducted on May 25, 2017 in their school premises despite the fact that the kidnappers had sent advance notice of their impending strike.

The kidnapped boys were later to be released in the remote and riverine Ese-Odo Local Government of Ondo State and taken to the Government House, Akure, before being brought down to Lagos.

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 enthused.

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.

The #Igbonla6 upon their release in Ondo state, Friday