Parents of kidnapped pupils of the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe,
protested against the alleged indifference of the state government towards the
plight of the pupils who had spent 14 days in kidnappers’ den.
The protesters refused to leave Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s office, demanding
the rescue of their children with immediate effect.
The
parents claimed that the kidnappers called some of them on Tuesday and told
them that four of the pupils were ill. The parents added that the kidnappers
told them that thenceforth, they would only negotiate with the government.
One
of the victims’ (Isiaka’s) mother was inconsolable, as she demanded the release
of her son.
Another
parent, Toyin Philips, mother of 17-year-old Pelumi, another victim, was seen
weeping.
“If
I have the money they are demanding, I would not have sent my son to that
school,” she said.
Spokesperson
for the parents, Mr. Dapo Adesega, lamented that their children had been with
the kidnappers for 14 days and the state government had not communicated with
them.
“If
we had not come here today, we wouldn’t have heard anything from the
government.
“The
kidnappers said we could not speak with our children again. They said four of
them were ill.
We want government to help us,” he said.
Another
parent, Moruf Ramon, said there was no way they could raise the N100m being
demanded by the kidnappers, adding that so far, the parents offered to give the
kidnappers N10m which they contributed, but they rejected it.
The
Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Muslim Folami; the
Special Adviser to the Governor on Community and Communications, Kehinde
Bamigbetan; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on the Environment,
Babatunde Hunpe, who received the protesters, said their children would be
rescued safely.
Folami
said, “Work is going on and soon, your children will be released to you.”
Bamigbetan
said government knew the pains the parents were going through and that
everything would be done to get the children released soon.
Another
Ambode’s aide, who declined to be identified, told our correspondent that the
pupils would soon be rescued, adding that it was not proper for government to
make its strategy public.
Meanwhile,
the Lagos State President, All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Public
Schools, Mr. Isaac Olatunde, said no effort would be spared in ensuring the
return of the kidnapped pupils.
He
said this during a prayer session organised by ANCOPSS at the Oregun Senior
High School, Lagos.
More
than 300 principals from the six education districts and 20 zones in the state
attended the programme.
Olatunde
said principals were worried about the continued stay of the pupils with their
abductors, hence the resort to prayers.
He
said, “The first time it took place, God intervened as fast as possible. This
time around, it is taking too long and we are concerned. We appreciate that the
state government is making a lot of efforts, but we want to complement the
efforts with prayers. We are confident that our prayers have been answered and
that these children have been released already.”
The
Director General, Lagos State Office of Quality Assurance, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo,
commended the principals and assured them that the state government would
secure the release of the pupils.
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