By Iheanyi EnweremÂ
The 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and one other person abducted along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Imo State have regained their freedom.
The victims, who were abducted on October 1 while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states, are currently receiving medical attention at the Department of State Services (DSS) Hospital in Owerri.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, is presently at the DSS Clinic in Owerri, where he is addressing the rescued victims.
He was accompanied by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the DSS and the Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Imo State.
The victims were travelling in two buses when they came under attack near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
Following the incident, security agencies launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to locate the victims and their abductors.
The Imo State Police Command had earlier disclosed that its operatives located the kidnappers’ camp through drone surveillance but could not immediately access the area after it was reportedly discovered to have been planted with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Additional operational assets, including bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers, were subsequently deployed as security agencies intensified efforts to reach the victims.
The abduction had generated widespread concern, particularly among the families of the victims, following reports that the abductors were demanding ₦50 million for each captive.
Police had earlier confirmed the rescue of 10 victims, while operations continued to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
The latest development means that the 20 prospective corps members and the other abducted victim have now regained their freedom and are receiving medical attention in Owerri.
Meanwhile, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has commended the security agencies for their swift and coordinated efforts that led to the safe release of the 20 corps members.
Governor Uzodimma, in a statement personally signed by him, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration between the Imo and Oyo State Governments, as well as the security agencies, in securing the release of the victims.
He explained that because the incident involved the security of human lives, the government deliberately avoided releasing sensitive information while the rescue operation was ongoing.
The Governor praised the security agencies for the discreet and collaborative manner in which they handled the operation and also commended the parents of the victims for their patience and understanding throughout the difficult period.
He urged Nigerians to continue to have faith in the Federal Government and the security agencies as efforts continue to address the country’s security challenges.
