EXCLUSIVE: Gunmen Allegedly Kidnap Foreign Student in Lagos

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

The rising case of kidnapping in Lagos was again brought to public glare yesterday when a foreign student of the American International School, Lekki, was allegedly abducted by gunmen.

This is coming at the heels of the abduction of a Lebanese and a Briton three weeks ago and this week's kidnap of one Nnenna Edu and the Chairman, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Kehinde Bamigbetan.  

The victim, whose identity could not immediately be ascertained as at press time said to be an eleventh grade student of the American International School, was kidnapped on his way to school in the morning.

It was gathered that the student who was in an Sports Utility Jeep was being driven to school from his parent's apartment at Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, when he was allegedly abducted alongside his driver.

Although the victim's parents were said to be presently out of the country, it was gathered that the incident was reported at the nearby police division by the domestic staff at home.

In their statement at the station, the members of staff said the boy and the driver were last seen on Wednesday morning after they left for school, adding that they became worried after the driver did not return home even by afternoon.

They added that their worries were compounded when they contacted the school authority and were told that the boy never reported at the school since morning.

THISDAY gathered the car was later traced and located through the tracking device installed in it at the Palms Mall, Lekki.

Also, the victim’s school bag, his laptop and other writing materials were found intact in the vehicle, thereby fueling speculations that he was forcibly abducted.

However, when contacted, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the state command, Damasus  Ozoani, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said he was not aware as the incident had been reported to the police.

He also said he was not aware of the kidnap of Edu who was kidnapped on Sunday near the Redeemed Christian Church of God, beside Ozone Cinema, Yaba, alongside her driver.