EXCLUSIVE: Why Kidnapped Igbonla Boys Wore Barca, United, Chelsea Jerseys

One of the parents of the six abducted pupils from the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe has made a revelation about the football jerseys worn by the teenagers when they were released.

On 25 May 2017, six boys of the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, Epe were kidnapped from their school premises but they were freed in Ondo State on Friday, 28 July after spending 64 days in captivity.

They were later reunited with their parents in Lagos the following day after efforts made by the Ondo State Government.

Curiously, all the boys were in apparently fake jerseys of big European clubs Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.

One of the parents who spoke on the condition of anonymity told RMG SPORTS BLOG that the kidnappers initially made the pupils wear football jerseys in order to deceive security operatives who were closing in on the criminals.

“I just want to thank God he is back home now,” the relieved father told RMG SPORTS BLOG on Sunday.
“I don’t want to say anything in the media now and we were also warned not to grant interviews. My son told me that it was those kidnappers who bought the jerseys for them.

“I was initially surprised when he came back putting on a jersey because my son is not really a football fan and he barely shows love for these European clubs.

“Clothing the boys in jerseys was a plan to deceive the security operatives each time the kidnappers changed their location, my son told me when I had a chat with him.”

The parent also revealed that his son and the five other pupils will be visiting a top hospital in Lagos for further check-ups facilitated by the Lagos State government.

“He is not really himself yet but I’m sure with time he will recover totally,” the father added.

“It’s not easy for young boys to be away in captivity for over two months without adequate care.”