Why abductors set victims of school kidnap free

One of the parents of the freed kidnapped pupils of the Government Model College, Igbonla, Epe in Lagos,, has revealed that the pressure mounted on the kidnappers by security operatives forced them to return the victims to a bush behind the school.

Revealing what he went through during the period of his child’s kidnap, the parent who pleaded anonymity said he lived in Ikorodu but had to relocate to his friend’s place in the Epe area of Lagos.

“I was called on the telephone by someone from the school around 12am on Wednesday that my son and other victims had been released. Since he was kidnapped, my wife and I had relocated from our house in Ikorodu to a friend’s place in Epe.” The parent said.

Continuing, the parent said; “When I rushed down to the school, I saw my son alive. We were told by the authorities that the boys walked into the school premises. They were left by the kidnappers around the boys’ hostel. We are grateful to God for sparing their lives.

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“I did not pay any ransom. I do not know if other parents did. God knows I do not have any money to pay ransom.”

But the parent who reportedly parted with the sum of N1 million as ransom said he went through hell to raise the money.

“I went through hell to raise the money. The kidnappers, after playing pranks with us for two days, left them not far from the school. I advise the state government to increase security in schools near waterways.” The parent said.

SP Dolapo Badmos, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, revealed that the police were on the trail of the kidnappers.

“The victims were rescued around 11pm and have been reunited with their families. No suspect has been arrested, but the police are on their trail, and there is no hiding place for criminals.

“The victims were not admitted to any hospital. They went to a hospital for checkups and they have been discharged. The police are not aware of the payment of any ransom. If the gunmen collected any money, it will be treated as robbery and they will be charged to court upon their arrest.” She said.

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