IGBONLA MODEL COLLEGE: Kidnappers break 3-week silence, make promise

There was palpable relief in the camp of concerned parents whose kids are among the six pupils of Igbonla Model College who are in the den of kidnappers after contact was established with the abductors three weeks after communication silence.

Reports say the kidnappers established contact yesterday with concerned parents assuring them that their kids will be released soon and even offered the kids who have been in captivity for 41 days the opportunity to talk to their parents.

Speaking after the call, one of the parents who pleaded anonymity said; “They have called again and promised to release our children soon. But they did not specify when and where they will be released. They allowed one of us to speak with all the children and they assured the parent that the kids are safe.

“Our plea is that they should have mercy on us and free these children. We cannot wait to see them.”

However, another parent who confirmed the call said the kidnappers surprisingly did not make any further demand of the ransom they ordered be paid to them.

The parent said; “It is true they have contacted us and made a promise to free our children very soon. In fact, we have been on the lookout since yesterday (Tuesday). We just hope they will not renege on their promise again. They did not request more ransom. We pray that they do not change their minds.

Read also: Kidnappers threaten to relocate students of Model College, Igbonla as security operatives move closer

“We are a bit relieved to hear from the children again after about three weeks’ break, but the most important thing is their freedom. We want to see our children.”

Reacting to a query over the inability of the Nigerian police to make headway despite assurances in the past weeks, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said; “We are ensuring security awareness and presence in all schools in the state.

“The police are also working with other security agencies and all stakeholders to dialogue on the best way to police the state.

“Such efforts will lead to reduction in crimes and the rescue of the schoolchildren.

“The police are working round-the-clock to rescue them very soon,” he added.

Recall that the last time the kidnappers established contact was about two weeks ago when a close call at their camp by security agents forced them to threaten concerned parents that they may relocate their kids to another hideout.

The threat was issued by the kidnappers after security operatives attempted to invade their camp by sneaking into a creek in Ondo State where the students were suspected to have been kept.

Reports say the security operatives found it very hard to access the camp of the kidnappers because they didn’t have a wooden boat which would have made it easier to cross some sections of the creek from where one would continue with a speed boat.

The Lagos state government has also come under serious criticisms from the public over its seeming nonchalant attitude to the plight of the kidnapper students.

 

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