NAN
Mr Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), has commended the Nigeria Police Force for its prompt rescue of a kidnapped prominent cleric.
Ikuforiji made the commendation in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Rotimi Adebayo, on Thursday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Dr Peter Akinola, was kidnapped on Tuesday, Dec. 24.
“The news of the kidnap of the erstwhile Primate was received with shock and sadness when it came.
“For a man of God of the status of Akinola to have been so kidnapped in broad daylight on the eve of Christmas was very sad indeed.
“It was even more worrisome that the kidnap itself was said to have been carried out by heavily armed youths,” the speaker said in the statement.
He said it was therefore a great relief when news of the cleric’s successful rescue by men of the Ogun State Police Command came.
Ikuforiji urged Nigerians to thank God who made it possible for the successful rescue of the former primate during yuletide.
He said it was imperative therefore that government must properly equip the police.
The speaker also said the time had now come to also approve the take-off of state police as earlier advocated for in some quarters.
“That is the way to go now, with the worsening state of security in several parts of the country,” he said.
Ikuforiji urged governments at all levels to create jobs for the teeming youths in 2014 so as to reduce social vices in the country.
He, however, rejoiced with all Nigerians for being alive to celebrate another yuletide season.
“It is with utmost joy in my heart to congratulate all Lagos residents, and all Nigerian citizens, for being alive to celebrate another Christmas.
“We thank the Almighty God for His mercies over our lives since the beginning of the year.
“I implore all Nigerian citizens to continue to live in peace with one another, irrespective of our religion or ethnic background,’’ the speaker said.
NAN recalls that Akinola was kidnapped along the Abeokuta axis of the Ibadan-Lagos expressway.
