37-days after the abduction of the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla,
Epe, militants who carried out this evil act, have given reasons why
they are yet to release the students despite collecting N30million
ransom in two installments from some parents.
Through
a chat with one of the sources close to the kidnappers, Saturday Sun
gathered that the rumored plans to invade the creeks by security
operatives as soon as the students are released created apprehension in
the militants camp.
“From our own information network, we learnt the military and other
security agencies are planning to bombard the creeks through air and
land attacks and we are no fools to just release the students without
proper planning for our own escape and safety. For now, the students
will serve as our shield”, the source who spoke from the militants camp
revealed.
He further stated that if this plan isn’t dropped the militants might
relocate their captives to the more dangerous camps in Delta creeks.
“The tension is mounting as America has succeeded in convincing everyone
that he is going to be a strong commander. Many militants who are
opposing his authority especially from Agbala camp are showing
allegiance to America. (Agbala is an ex-militant who has since accepted
amnesty and is allegedly working for Government) Agbala and some others
in Ondo are working with government and they assured them that they
will see to the safe return of the children. Since they have not kept to
their promise, everyone is frustrated. America has officially taken
control of the creeks,’ the source added.
On the possible new location where the children will be taken to,
“They are still awaiting the arrival of a strong boat and well armed
men who will escort them. There are still creeks that are safe in the
Niger Delta region where they intend to move the students. They are
likely to be released over there,” the source stated.
One of the parents of the pupils kidnapped said:
“We are gradually losing hope in this country. If they picked up a
local government chairman’s child, I am sure that the current government
will do the needful to hasten their release. They have stopped calling
us despite their promise to release the children. We are begging them
(militants) to have mercy on us and release our boys to us.”
Police spokesman, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole also spoke on the issue when contacted saying:
“the command is working hard on all clues that will lead to the rescue
of the children.” Another senior police officer in the command who spoke
on condition of anonymity said everyone is simply praying for the safe
return of the students. “Our concern is the safe return of these
students. No one is combing anywhere anymore because it is risky and
could jeopardise the life of those boys.
“We will wait for them outside because they are not going to remain in
the creeks forever. If the likes of Ossy, TK, Kelly and Millions are no
more, their current commander popularly called ‘America’ will surely
fall one day.