Sanwo-Olu: We’ll arrest those behind kidnapping of Lebanese nationals

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has vowed to arrest perpetrators behind the recent kidnapping of the three Lebanese nationals, including the Managing Director of Fouani Group, Muhammed Fouani, saying his government would not condone people of evil intentions in the State.

Sanwo-Olu assured Lagos residents, particularly business owners and religious tourists, of adequate security in the state, saying his administration is committed to making Lagos State peaceful, attractive, and homely.

The governor gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Revd. Israel Akanji, and his entourage at the Lagos House in Alausa on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.

Sanwo-Olu, while confirming the kidnapping and release of the Lebanese nationals, said the incident occurred on the big water on their way to Ikorodu and not around Five Cowry in Falomo, as reported.

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.

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“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.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu, while responding to the request of the Nigerian Baptist Convention to host the annual Baptist World Alliance in Nigeria for the first time in over a century, promised to ensure a safe and delightful experience for all foreign religious tourists coming to Lagos next month for the convention, noting that religious organisations are stakeholders in governance.

Speaking, Akanji commended the achievements of Sanwo-Olu’s administration, especially in food and transport palliatives for residents during these economic challenges in the country.

The cleric, who is the President of the African Baptist Convention, solicited the support of the Lagos State Government to host the annual Baptist World Alliance, which has its headquarters in the United States.

The Star