By Chinyere Aruogu
The six students of Igbonla Model College in Epe area of Lagos who have been in the custody of kidnappers for nearly two months have been released.
Curiously, they were released at Ondo State according to Lagos State Government sources and would soon rejoin their parents.
The boys were rescued from Aboto Creek in Ilaje area of Ondo State by the police on tip off.
They are now on their way to Lagos.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has been having sleepless night since the boys were taken because he comes from there.
He also tasked security operatives to do whatever was needful to secure release of the students whose parents have since got devastated over the kidnap.
Armadanews.com could not confirm if the kidnappers were paid ransom before the students were let go.
The Lagos State Government has welcomed the release of the students.
Government on Friday, July 28 expressed excitement over the release of six students abducted since 25 May.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, 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.