Gunmen abduct six Lagos pupils three days after writing school

Gunmen took advantage of security lapses around creeks in Igbonla, Epe, on Thursday to abduct six pupils of Igbonla Model College, Epe, Lagos.

This came seven months after four pupils and two members of staff of the college were kidnapped in October 2016.

It was learnt that the gunmen gained entry into the school premises around 6am on Thursday through the creek at the back of the college.

They were said to have pulled down the school fence and headed for the boys’ hostel, seizing 10 Senior Secondary School pupils.

The gunmen came in through the fence

According to reports, four of the pupils were later released at the waterside by the assailants after profiling their parents’ details.

They escaped with the remaining six pupils, identified as Peter Jonah, Isiaq Rahmon, Adebayo George, Judah Agbausi, Pelumi Philips and Farouq Yusuf. The kidnappers had written the school three days ago that they were coming.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said rescue operations had commenced.

The statement read, "Today, at about 5am, Kidnappers again struck at Igbonla Model School, Igbonla near Epe, abducting six (6) students. Immediately, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, raised a Police Team to rescue the abducted students and apprehend the suspects.

"Investigation and rescue operation started with the visit to the affected school by the Police Team led by the Commissioner of Police. The team have intensified its search through the adjoining waterways into the forest.

"From the visit, it was found that the abductors used the Imeru/Oji waterway to access the swamp forest bordering the school. The abductors gained entrance into the school premises by drilling a hole on a part of the school fence.

"Obviously, the dastardly act of these criminal elements is nothing other than sheer wickedness as there is no justification whatsoever for abducting the innocent children. The trauma that the parents/guardians and relatives of these children are going through at this difficult moment can be imagined.

"The Commissioner of Police has appealed for calmness from all concerned to enable the security agencies focus on rescue operations and apprehend the suspects. He noted that the Police and other security agencies are intensifying all necessary measures towards safety and security of the good people of Lagos State.

"Police will appreciate useful information from members of the public, please."