Nigerian Turkish College Kidnap: Students, Staff Released
The eight students and two staff of the Nigeria Turkish International School, Isheri, Ogun State, who were kidnapped on January 13, 2017, have finally regained their freedom. They were released at about 7.30pm yesterday after ransom was paid.
It was reported that the parents parted with between N4million which was about N10 million before the release of the students and staff.
Yesterday it was reported that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Zone 2 Command which comprises of Lagos and Ogun states police commands, Mr. Kayode Aderanti, told newsmen in Ogun State that the police were rapidly closing in on the kidnappers.
A quote from the AIG reads: “We are working assiduously towards getting the children back . In a matter of 24 hours or there about, they will be out. Just give us sometime, we are working seriously on them.
“My visit here is to let them know that I am here to put in my best, to support the structure on the ground, to work closely with my Commissioners of Police, who have been doing a hell of a job and to ensure we put up a very good security architecture in Ogun state such that everybody will go about his or her duty without fear”
The AIG further told Vanguard: ‘’We thank God the ordeal is over. Now we can concentrate on bringing the abductors to book.”
The school’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Cema Yigit who spoke with a lot of excitement, said: “Yes they’ve been released but I cant give you much details now. But a statement will be issued later.”
Another staff of the school who pleaded anonymity said: “All the 10 victims of the kidnap have been released. However, they were all taken to an undisclosed hospital to determine their state of health and stabilize them emotionally.’’
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, PPPRO, Mr. Abimbola Oyeyemi said: “The victims were released last night and we are expecting them at the police command, Eleweran, Abeokuta tomorrow (today).”
A statement released by the school, signed by Yigit read; “We wish to inform the general public that the kidnapped students and staff of the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) Ogun state, have regained freedom. The victims were released this evening after a painstaking collaborative effort by the relevant security agencies in the country. The management of NTIC wishes to express our gratitude to the relevant security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the three students, one Turkish teacher, a cook and three supervisors.
“We also wish to extend our appreciation to the government and good people of Ogun State for their support throughout the difficult period. The role of the Ogun State Government is highly appreciated.
“Our special appreciation also goes to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Chief of Army Staff, and others too numerous to mention for their efforts.”
