28th July, 2017
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni on Friday disclosed that 20 kidnappers were killed in gun battle with the Marine Police in the process of trying to secure the release of the kidnapped students of Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
Owoseni spoke at a press conference addressed by the Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule along with the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu at the deputy governor’s office, Alausa, Ikeja on Friday.
The police commissioner said from the time the students were kidnapped and their release, 20 kidnappers were killed as they tried to attack the police, adding that eight policemen were wounded in the process, while one civilian with the police was killed by the kidnappers.
Owoseni disclosed that one Bright Adeniji and 17 others died in a gun battle with the Marine Police as they ambushed the operation of the police who were out to secure the release of the students.
He said the police ensured that the third boat where the kidnapped students were being kept was safe.
The commissioner added that on 15 July, 2017, the kidnappers tried to seize the gun boat of the Marine Police and that in the process, another gun battle ensued, while one Oniwe Oyelasi, popularly known as ‘Americana’ was killed with two others.
He said the kidnappers launched several offensives, but that the police were able to handle it as the police had been well motivated.
Owoseni praised the effort of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his Ondo State counterpart, Akeredolu for their worthwhile efforts that led to the released of the children.
The CP, however, added that one person who was trying to swindle the parents of the kidnapped students by telling them to drop money in Abeokuta was arrested and is now in police custody.
Earlier, Adebule expressed gratitude to the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo for his efforts leading to the release of the students, saying that the government would carry out a comprehensive medical test on the students to ascertain their mental, physical and psychological wellbeing.
She said the state government was working hard to ensure safety of lives and properties in the state, adding that government would ensure that the schools were well policed before the resumption of the next academic calendar.
Also speaking, Akeredolu said the combined effort of the police, Lagos, Ondo and Delta governments led to the release of the students, saying that the acting president also played a great role to secure their release.