Igbonla Kidnap: Lagos State Govt confirms release of pupils, teachers; vows to rid state of criminals
The Lagos State
Government on Wednesday confirmed the release of the four pupils and
teachers of the Lagos State Model College (Senior and Junior) Igbonla in Epe
who were kidnapped by suspected ex-Ijaw militants on October 6, 2016, assuring
that the Government would spare nothing until it rids the State of criminal
elements.
The Government, in a
statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve
Ayorinde, said the children have undergone medical check-up after which they
were reunited with their families.
"The Lagos State
Government today welcomed the release of the school pupils, Vice-Principal and
Head teacher of Igbonla Model College, Epe, who were kidnapped by suspected
Ijaw militants on Thursday October 6, 2016. The children are doing well; they
have been taken through medical checkup and have been safely reunited with
their families."
Ayorinde, while
restating the government’s determination to protect lives and property, however
urged residents to be more vigilant, security conscious and report all
suspected persons and objects seen within their neighbourhood to the
appropriate security agencies.
"The determination
of the government to ensure 24-hour security of the State is evident in the
huge investment in the equipment and welfare of security agencies, especially
the police".
The Commissioner,
however, said that Government has taken adequate steps to stem the tide of
kidnapping in the State, noting that in line with the directive of the State
Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, plans have been concluded to commence the
demolition of illegal structures erected across the state waterfronts and
creeks.
"Often times, the incidence of kidnapping are
perpetrated through the waterways and as such, these illegal structures provide
a leeway for these criminal elements to plan and execute their nefarious
activities. This step, we believe, will go a long way to address this menace.
The State Government has also begun steps to boost community policing with the
recent announcement by the Governor that at least 5000 neighbourhood watchers
will soon be recruited to improve surveillance across the state, especially at
the rural areas," Ayorinde said.
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