Parents of the six students of the Lagos State Model College, who were released on Friday, after spending 64 days in the creeks with militants, are beginning to express fear over some characteristics being exhibited by their children.
This was even as others insisted their children returned from the creek and became prayer warriors, more on their knees than feet.
Most of the parents spoke on the condition of anonymity, claiming that security agents were monitoring and that they had been warned not to speak with journalists.
Two fathers yesterday expressed fear over the display of their children. These men were part of parents that rejoiced on Friday, after they heard of the release of their children and eventually held them in their warm embrace.
Yesterday their voices were laced with worry and fear.
One of them said: “There is something wrong with my son; but I really can’t place my finger on it. We’re still observing him. Medically, they are still treating them.
There is no way the children will go to such a place without any possible ailment in them, although we give thanks to God. My son was a once a free child and lively, suddenly, he is withdrawn and exhibiting strange attitude. We are noticing some strange habits.”
Asked if he would allow his son to return to the school, he replied: “It’s in the hands of my son, not me. The decision belongs to him alone.”
The second father expressed worries over his son’s state of mind, disclosing that he noticed that his son was not fully back to his senses.
According to the man, since about midnight when his son was brought home on Friday, the boy has been exhibiting signs of fear and psychological trauma.
The man added that he noticed this after more than two months in captivity with kidnappers; his son could neither jump at him nor showed any sign of being happy returning home.
He said: “He is just looking at everyone and doesn’t even talk. That sad experience, I must tell you, was too much for those children and I feel sad about it. In fact, because of the situation, his mother had to take him away from the house to avoid further pressure on him.”
