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IGBONLA BOYS: Kidnapped in Lagos, freed in Ondo, 64 days after!
After sixty-four days in captivity, the six kidnapped boys of Lagos State Model College Igbonla have been freed in Ondo State.
The traumatized boys who had been forced to suffer untold hardship and their helpless parents who had grieved and wailed and searched for about two months, can now finally find respite following confirmation of the release.
According to developing reports, the six students namely, Peter Jonah, Isiaq Rahmon, Adebayo George, Judah Agbausi, Pelumi Philips, and Farouq Yusuf regained freedom from their captors on Friday in Ondo State.
While details of their release are still not clear, the news will be welcomed from far and wide as a very significant positive development, as the story had assumed national prominence and attracted public sympathy and advocacy.
Read also: Editorial… IGBONLA SIX: The delay no longer defensible
The release of the students is coming five days after Acting President Yemi Osinbajo spoke on the matter for the first time, and assured that the six students will soon regain freedom.
The students, who were kidnapped on May 25, had remained in captivity despite promises that they would be rescued in a short time.
Recall that on the morning of May 24, 2017, heavily armed gunmen had stormed the Lagos State-owned Epe college and abducted the six boys before reportedly making their way via boats through the Imeru/ Iji waterway.
In October of 2016, gunmen had in a similarly brazen manner, abducted six people from the same school, including four students, a vice principal and a teacher. Their ordeal lasted about six days, ending only after ransom payment led to their release.
Many observers will be keen to find out the exact circumstances of the boys’ release, and will want to know what sustainable measures would be put in place by both the state and federal government, so as to forestall a recurrence.
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Anita Kingsley
July 28, 2017 at 4:31 pm
This would have been great news if the kidnappers were apprehended. But, no assurance that they will be caught by the Nigeria Police. Its a pity visible evidence that Nigeria’s security system is weak. Other Nigerians should begin consider Biafra as a better country to live in. There’s nothing left in Nigeria, join us as we fight for freedom of Biafra.
Animashaun Ayodeji
July 28, 2017 at 4:35 pm
I’m happy for their parents and the kids. However, does this mean Acting President Osinbajo has a hand in their release or it was just a coincidence that occurred?
Abeni Adebisi
July 28, 2017 at 4:46 pm
What’s important is their release and they’ve been freed alive. Their parents should make sure the kids go through proper check up. I’m sure this must have taught Lagos State some lessons about her security system. The state is not totally safe as people think.
yanju omotodun
July 28, 2017 at 10:00 pm
You are so irrational, are you saying Osinbajo has hand in the kidnap or how
seyi jelili
July 28, 2017 at 4:59 pm
My pastor is a man of GOD. Pastor Osinbajo prophesied that they will be released soon and it was so. The dark and evil persons must bow to the word of God from a man of GOD. Nigeria, rejoice for God has ordained Osinbajo for a greater Nigeria
yanju omotodun
July 28, 2017 at 9:59 pm
Hmmmmmmm.
Just bring out unnecessary confusion because the president remains Muhammadu Buhari
JOHNSON PETER
July 28, 2017 at 10:35 pm
These guys are Barca fans and they don’t look people kidnapped anyway