Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has vowed to arrest perpetrators behind the recent kidnapping of three Lebanese brothers in the state.
One of the victims is Muhammed Fouani, Managing Director of Fouani Nigeria Limited – a sole distributor of LG, Hisense, and Maxi products in Nigeria.
THE WHISTLER had reported that the Lebanese nationals were abducted ABDUCTED (link 1) on June 14 around Falomo Bridge while traveling from Apapa to Victoria Island,
They were kidnapped along with the boat captain conveying them and his assistant.
After their kidnap, a source had said the kidnappers were demanding a $1.5m ransom. However, the victims regained freedom on Monday night. They were rescued at Orugbo Iddo by men of the Marine Police.
But reacting to the incident on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu noted that his government would not condone people of evil intentions in the state.
He assured business owners and religious tourists of adequate security in the state, saying his administration is committed to making Lagos peaceful, attractive, and homely.
The governor gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Revd. Israel Akanji, at the Lagos House, Alausa.
He said: “The security of life and property is paramount, and we do not leave anything to chance on that. The very recent incident that happened in Lagos was about the kidnapping of three members of our Lebanese community. We are happy that they have been released, and this morning (Wednesday), I met with them, and we have useful information to ensure that the perpetrators of the act are not going to be spared.
“We know we have an idea of how far they have gone, and we will do everything to ensure that we do not give them a space in our city and state. I want to assure all our citizens and businesses, both national and international, that Lagos will continue to remain safe and peaceful. People thought the incident happened around the Five Cowry, Falomo. No, it actually happened on the big water on the way to Ikorodu. So they were not even around Falomo.
“We want to assure you that we are on top of it. The security operatives are combing all the necessary areas. This is a strong signal that Lagos will not condone such people with evil intentions. They do not deserve any sort of recognition. So, we will continue to make Lagos peaceful. We will continue to make it attractive and homely. We will continue to ensure that businesses thrive. We will ensure people live and work in a conducive environment.”
Sanwo-Olu, while responding to the request of the Nigerian Baptist Convention to host the annual Baptist World Alliance in Nigeria, pledged to beef up security during the event.
He said: “Nigeria and Lagos are ready to host the world. We believe it is a thing of joy and celebration to be acknowledged and identified with not only the African body but the global body of the Baptist Convention.
“We want to assure all the international visitors that will be coming that Lagos State Government will support you. We will ensure that we provide additional security in and around the hotel environment so that everybody will feel safe and will also taste the hospitality of Lagos.”
Lagos Gov Sanwo-Olu Vows To Arrest Those Behind Kidnap Of Lebanese Brothers is first published on The Whistler Newspaper