Parents of the six pupils kidnapped from the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla in Epe, have decided to raise funds to meet the demands of the abductors, The Nation learnt yesterday.

The distraught parents met yesterday to brainstorm on how to raise the ransom for the release of their children.

The abductors want N100m, down from the N400m they first demanded.

They told the parents to seek Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s assistance in raising the funds.

The state government has already ruled out any negotiation with the kidnappers.

Yusuf Farouk, Ramon Isiaka, Pelumi Philips, Peter Jonas, Adebanjo George and Judah Agbaosi were whisked away from their hostels- Yellow and Green houses- on May 25, by gunmen clad in police uniform.

Sources said the parents met in Epe yesterday and resolved to tax themselves following government’s refusal to negotiate with the criminals.

The parents, who said they have become weary of government’s pledge to rescue the victims using security option, noted that their wards have been in captivity for nine days.

The Nation gathered that a committee was formed at yesterday’s meeting for the purpose of raising a substantial amount from relations, friends and good spirited Nigerians.

A parent who expressed disappointment at government’s handling of the issue, said he wondered how the government wanted them to feel, knowing that their children have been in the custody of armed criminals for so long.

The parent said: “It’s nine days already and our children are still in captivity despite the government’s assurance to rescue them.

“Our minds will not be at rest without seeing these children. The kidnappers have demanded N100m and they insist we should meet with the school authorities and the government to pay. But government said it would not pay any ransom.

“All the parents have met again and we have decided to raise whatever amount we can through individual contributions. We have asked ourselves to call on friends and relatives to assist.” (The Nation)

Update news