Nigerian governor vows to review kidnapping laws

Nigeria's southwest Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode Sunday said the government would review the laws on kidnapping following the abduction of students and teachers of Igbonla Model College in Epe area of the state.

Speaking during an inspection tour of some parts of the state, the governor also ordered the immediate demolition of all shanties around the creeks and on the waterways.

He asked all illegal occupants of the shanties to leave within seven days and stressed that the safety of citizens was paramount, hence the government's zero tolerance for kidnapping and other crimes.

Ambode assured residents that government would review the laws on kidnapping and promised prompt and quick rescue of the students and teachers of Igbonla Model College, Epe, kidnapped on Thursday in their school.

"Most of the issues we have with kidnapping are perpetrated by illegal settlers by the waterfront," he added.

"All shanties along the waterfront of the state must go because the safety of Lagosians is paramount in this administration," he said.

"I believe the era of kidnapping has come to an end and I can tell you sincerely, we will deal with kidnappers from this moment on," Ambode said.

Abduction is not uncommon in Nigeria. The abduction of high profile individuals in the country has been on the increase in recent times. Endit