By Oluwole Farotimi 

Anglican Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos Mainland Diocese, Most Rev. Adebayo Dada Akinde, yesterday, commended Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on the rescue of three girls abducted from Babington Ashaye Macaulay Junior Seminary in Ikorodu area of the state.

Akinde lauded the prompt, positive and practical response of the state government.

Akinde, who led other bishops of the Anglican Church, Principal of the school, Venerable Olaoluwa Adeyemi and parents of the three rescued female students on a “Thank You” courtesy visit to the governor at the Lagos House, Alausa, in Ikeja said the success story of the rescue of the girls cannot be complete without the laudable efforts of the state government.

The cleric said he and his team deemed it fit to visit and appreciate the role played by

government in the wake of the abduction of the students from the school on February 29 and, particularly, the role of Governor Ambode.

“It was a most traumatic moment and sad for us as proprietors. Today, we are thanking God for his intervention that a most unfortunate and traumatic event ended on a joyous note.

“All three pupils are now safe in the custody of their parents, they have been reunited. You acted and responded. Your response was prompt; your response was positive, your response was practical.

“So, when we talk about this success story of the return of the three female students, Your Excellency, your contribution is most overwhelming, you have shown yourself to be a passionate leader, a leader that is interested in the well being of the citizens of the state that God has placed you as the Chief Executive Officer at this time  “So, the main objective of our mission here is to express immense thanks to Your Excellency for the support you gave us. We are saying thank you, we are indeed grateful, you have started well as the governor of the state; God will grant you the grace to continue and improve in the name of Jesus. We sincerely appreciate you and are immensely grateful,” Bishop Akinde said.

Also speaking, Venerable Adeyemi said they were, indeed, grateful for the support encouragement and prayers they received from several quarters while the ordeal lasted. One of the parents of the recued girls, Ven. Ayo Olusan said they were relieved with the return of their girls, adding that the prayers offered by Nigerians and the prompt effort of the state government played huge roles towards the girls’ rescue.

In his response, the governor said the incident was a test of government’s commitment to the security of lives and  property in the state.

“Seven days ago, the unthinkable happened, but, again, we give all the glory to God that seven days after, we are able to pride ourselves that one of those principal duties that you have charged this administration with is what we have just proved.

“We took it personal, not because it was a private school, not because it was far away from the metropolis, but, because we all decided to say that if it were our own child or children, are we going to sit down? That is the real focus of what this administration is all about.

For everything that happens we put ourselves to imagine that if it were us, what would be said about our actions and inactions.

“We are very grateful to God for giving us that opportunity to prove that the welfare and well being and the security of the people of Lagos is what is paramount to us as an administration…”