Twenty prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were abducted while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their orientation camp in Imo State, have regained their freedom.
The development was confirmed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, following a telephone conversation with Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued by the Olubadan’s Media Aide, Adeola Oloko.
Reacting to the development, the Oyo State Government expressed relief over the safe release of the prospective corps members, describing them as “our children.”
The state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, congratulated the Oyo and Imo State governments, as well as the Federal Government, on the release.
Oyelade, however, called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle kidnapping and banditry across the country, stressing the need for stronger measures to address the persistent security challenges.
He said, “The Federal Government, which has the preponderance of power and capacity to effectively nip this embarrassing development in the bud, must be more proactive and live up to its promise to keep citizens safer across the land.”
The commissioner also expressed concern over the continued occurrence of kidnappings and banditry despite repeated assurances from the Presidency.
According to him, no fewer than 200 Nigerians are still being held in forests following various abductions, although the circumstances surrounding those cases were not detailed.
The release of the 20 prospective corps members has brought relief to their families and ended days of uncertainty over their safety.
Details surrounding their release, including whether ransom was paid or arrests were made, were not immediately disclosed.
