About 15
gunmen suspected to be militants on Thursday invaded Lagos State Model College,
Igbonla, Epe, whisking away four students and two workers.
Surrounded by
bushes, the school is situated in the swampy areas of Epe, near the Ijebu-Ode
waterside and on an isolated road.
It was
gathered that all the children kidnapped (names withheld) were in JSS I and
just resumed school between Monday and Tuesday.
Six of the
gunmen including a lady, two of whom were hooded, it was learned, stormed the
junior school assembly hall while the children were praying.
The abductors,
who stormed the place in three speed boats, were said to have gained entry into
the school premises from the gate of the boy’s hostel and attacked shortly
after the senior students have vacated their own assembly hall.
According to
some students who spoke to The Nation, five of the six men had guns and one
held a cutlass. The student eye witness said they scampered for safety as the
gunmen ordered them to lie down.
“It was around
8am. They came here shooting in the air. They entered through the hole under
the gate by the boy’s hostel. They were wearing different clothes. One wore
blue and red clothes. Another one tied something on his head and two of them
covered their faces.
“They just
entered and said ‘everyone lie down. We started running. I and many others ran
into the bush. People were just running in different directions. Then, they
took some students away and some were following them.
When The
Nation visited the school, apprehensive parents were seen attempting to take
their wards home. They were however stopped by the management and the Deputy
Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, who assured them that security has been beefed up.
Scores of
policemen led by the Commissioner Fatai Owoseni, soldiers and local vigilantes
were all over the area.
A man, Oluwafemi
Adebisi whose 10-year-old son was among those kidnapped said he was informed
about the incident by a family friend.
“A family
friend called this morning and told me that there was an incident at my son’s
school. I just brought Isaac to school on Tuesday. He is in JSS1 and has only
spent two nights in the school. He’s my last born and he complained the day we
were coming that this area is bushy and lonely.
“But I never
knew anything like this would happen. We used to hear about robbery and crime
in this Epe. So, when my friend told me, I didn’t even know that my son was
among.
“My wife and I
left immediately for the school and when we got here and we did not see my son.
So, we met the Vice Principal and said Isaac was around during the assembly but
that after the invasion, he didn’t answer his name during the roll call.
“They looked
around and didn’t see him. Some people said they saw the gunmen carrying three
children and that others were following them. No one said they saw Isaac, but
he has not been found.
“I know my God
is able. I leave everything to him and want him to take control. But I think
the school needs to have police checkpoint here. Isaac is my only son and I
allowed him school here because I wanted him to learn.”
Another
parent, Titus Adeeko, who was yet to see his 11-year-old daughter,
Oluwatimileyin, said her Guardian assured him she was safe.
He said that
he also heard about the incident from a family friend, and immediately rushed
to the school with his wife.
Adeeko said so
many parents wept after they were denied access to their children.
Adebule said
the incident was unfortunate, adding that such has never been experienced since
establishment 29 years ago.
“Governor
Akinwunmi Ambode has directed police, Navy and other security agencies to
rescue the children within the shortest possible time.
“This is an
incursion and we shall face it and deal with it appropriately. We are not happy
about this incident. It is a great challenge to us as a government but this is
why we are serving at this time. We want to implore the parents planning to
take their children away to not panic. We have met with the affected parents
and school management
Speaking to
reporters at the premises, Owoseni confirmed that four children, a teacher and
Principal were taken away.
Owoseni said
the abductors kidnapped six children but two were found by policemen.
The police
boss said that helicopters have been deployed to survey the surrounding bushes,
adding that detectives were combing the forests.
He said:
“Gunmen stormed Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe, and abducted two
teachers and two students.
“The suspects
escaped through the Ogbere river. We have contacted the Ogun State Police
Command, the Marine unit of the force as well as naval personnel has circled
the river. Two of the students have since been rescued by our men. We will soon
rescue the other victims.”
The Oyerindes confirmed
that Lukman was among those abducted, pleading with the kidnappers to release
the victims unhurt.
“Yes, he was
among those kidnapped. We do not have details yet but we are begging the
kidnappers to release them. No contact has been made,” said a family source. Thenation
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