We're coming for your students, kidnappers send letter to school

Reports are indicating that two letter were sent to the junior and senior sections of the college by the kidnappers.

According to Punch, the letters sent to Kankon were posted on the corridors leading to the offices of the two principals.

The Igbonla connection.

The kidnappers, in the letter claimed responsibility for the abduction of six pupils of the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe.

The Igbonla students have now spent almost a month in captivity; 28 precisely, as at the time of writing this report.

Quite disturbing is that the kidnappers boasted that they'd never get caught.

The letter read:

“Kidnappers are visiting the school the same way we did at Igbonla, Epe. We are going to capture three pupils from senior school and three from junior school. We are kidnapping both principals.

“We are coming in two days’ time. No security put in place will stop us from gaining entry and fulfilling our mission as stated in this letter. Be expecting us!”

This threat is two weeks old.

The letters were reportedly sent in the second week of June, and security agencies had been alerted. Policemen and soldiers were said to have been deployed in the school. The real panic began when, after the deadline for the kidnappers elapsed, the security presence around the school reduced.

A parent, who saw the letter on Saturday, 10th of June, said:

“As I was passing by the principal’s office, I saw a notice and stopped to read it. I was shocked when I read the content. The principal was not around at that time, but I alerted some staff members present.

“I informed the Parents Forum Association chairman, who contacted the school authorities. The government and security agencies had also been informed.

“A large number of policemen and soldiers were initially deployed in the school. There were also security vans patrolling the school surroundings.

“But when I went back four days after, the number of security men had reduced considerably. I saw only two policemen at the school gate.”

There's a security problem.

And it appears it's not in only in this school. In Igbonla, the school is literally in the thick of a forest, with Osun river running not too far away.

Another parent said:

“Part of the bushes had been cleared upon the threat, but there are still a lot to be done. The school fence needs to be raised. There should be light around the fence for safety at night.”

But the school authorities think otherwise.

One of the two principals, Mr. Sunday Fadaunsi, said:

“We regard the letters as a rumour. Parents and pupils have been circulating it, but nobody can come up with any letter.”

Chances will not be taken.

That's what the Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, is suggesting.

He said:

“We are aware and the security agencies are on high alert and alive to their responsibility. Whether it is a threat or a prank, the Lagos State Government will not yield any of its schools or pupils to the evil machinations of kidnappers. We shall secure our schools and every pupil and tutor. The police and other security agencies are up to the task. This is an assurance to the Model College, Kankon, and the general public.”

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, also said security is being beefed up.

“There is intelligence report that these people (kidnappers) may perpetrate criminal acts at model colleges. The police are using proactive measures to fortify the schools, including Kankon, to prevent what happened in model college, Igbonla.

“The Area Commander, Area K, said there is an adequate police presence at the school and there was no cause for alarm.”