My attention has been drawn to news making the rounds that the six kidnapped school children of Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe, have regained their freedom. This is unarguably the best news to have hit our ears this week.
On behalf of the good people of Lagos East senatorial district, I wish to express my profound appreciation to the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who kept his word that the children will return safely, and our valiant security forces under the auspices of the Inspector General of Police’ (IGP) Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for their doggedness. Their concerted efforts were helpful in securing the release of our dear children.
More important is the steel will of the parents of the affected children, the collective prayers of well-meaning Lagosians and the solidarity of all Nigerians, which put paid to the fact that, indeed, our bonds are strongest when we are hard-pressed. Our collective resolve will be tested but we will maintain our humanity. In the end, what matters most will be that in our darkest hour, when it mattered most, we stood up to be counted in words and deeds.
In the strongest of terms, I condemn the activities of criminal elements in our society. I urge the security agencies not to relent in the never-ending war against kidnapping and other crimes. Our children and families deserve to live in a safe environment. To the families of members of our security forces who have paid the ultimate price, Nigeria and Posterity will forever remember those who have stayed the course in preserving the unity and sovereignty of this nation.
I urge the good people of Lagos East to remain vigilant and continue to report any suspicious individuals, groups and their activities to the law enforcement agencies. The task of keeping our society safe is more effective when it is a joint effort between the citizens and the security agencies.
