Parents of the six kidnapped students of the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe, were hugely relieved today reuniting with them, after more than two months of anxiety.

The reunion came exactly 65 days after the students were captured from their school by armed abductors, 20 of whom were killed in a gun duel with the police on Friday, in the creeks of Ondo State.

The freed boys are Peter Jonah, Isiaka Rahmon, Adebayo George, Judah Agbausi, Pelumi Philips and Farouq Yusuf.

Mr Moruf Ramon, whose 19-year-old son, Isiaka, was among the rescued students commended the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Police for their efforts.

“I am so happy with what is happening today and I want to appreciate the Lagos State Government and the Commissioner of Police for all they have done to secure the release of our children.

“I have been the one talking with the kidnappers all the time and the police were always with us to get information that could help to facilitate the rescue operations,” he said.

Mrs Beatrice Jonah, said it had been a traumatic experience for her family.

According to her, the experience is very difficult to describe as it is better imagined than experienced.

“When I spoke to my son after the abduction, I was weeping because I was afraid for his life.

“To me it has been 65 days of trauma but we thank God he is back safely,” she said.

The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, who received the students on behalf of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, commended the efforts of the security agencies and the intervention of the Federal Government.

Adebule said that debriefing and comprehensive medical checks would be carried out on the students to help them get over the experience.

Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, who accompanied the students to Lagos with his Deputy, Mr Alfred Agboola, said the Igbonla Kidnap was a major issue at the National Executive Council meeting in Abuja in June.

Akeredolu said it was also an issue at the South-West Governors’ meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun, where Ambode said there was the need for an increased joint security patrol of the riverine areas. (Daily Trust)

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