ABDUCTED SCHOOL GIRLS: Suspect asked us for forgiveness,prayers — Principal

The management of Babington Junior Seminary, Ikorodu, has said one of the suspects arrested in connection with the kidnapping of the three students has asked the school to pray for him.


Abducted students returning to school in uniform yesterday. The school Principal, Venerable Olaoluwa Adeyemi disclosed this yesterday, while addressing the staff and parents of the school immediately after the end of the term thanksgiving service by the school, which effectively closes the abduction issue as far as the school is concerned.

Though he did not reveal the suspect’s name, he said the accused has sent many text messages asking for forgiveness.The girls were released on Sunday, March 6, after six days with their kidnappers.Also, the principal has revealed the security arrangement so far put in place by the school, saying the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Metro Police, OP Messa and two other security organisations have taken charge of the security arrangement.

Three Senior Secondary Students, SSS 11,Timilehin Olusa, Tofunmi Popo Olaniyan and Deborah Akinayo were abducted from the school on Monday, February 29 at about 8.30pm but were released unhurt after six days.The principal said the incident was an eyeopener and a big lesson for the school and this has brought about improved security services by the school.

According to him, the school has set up a security committee in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force which has detached five security groups to the school. Apart from this, the school has sought the services of the local Police and Nigeria Legion to complement the effort of the government.He told the parents that the rear perimeter fencing of the school had been raised while a patrol van was bought and this will be managed by the internal security of the school.

Adeyemi informed that the school has mounted a close circuit television, CCTV and security lights round the school. He said; “We are in collaboration with The Nigeria Police Force and have requested the services of the Nigeria Legion and the local Police.‘’We are glad to inform you that the school has bought a security patrol van to be managed by our security officers.

Also, we have formed a security committee and there are local guards because we we have vowed not to take the issue of security for granted as long as the school exits,” said the Principal.Parents, students and teachers seized the occasion to appreciate God for the release of the girls after which the school also ended its second term academic season and the students were released totheir parents.

During the thanksgiving service, Tofunmi’s father, Mr Olaniyan, who spoke on behalf of the affected parents thanked the school for its effort in rescuing the girls.