Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed relief following the release of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were abducted while travelling from Ibadan to their orientation camp in Imo State.
The prospective corps members were reportedly abducted while on their way to the NYSC orientation camp in the South-East, sparking concerns among their families and members of the public.
Their release was confirmed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, after a telephone conversation with the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, on Wednesday at about 5 p.m.
Reacting to the development, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the state government was relieved that the prospective corps members had regained their freedom.
Oyelade congratulated the Oyo and Imo State governments, as well as the Federal Government, on the safe release of the abducted youths.
However, he called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle kidnapping and banditry across the country, stressing that the government had the resources and capacity to address the worsening security challenges.
He urged the Federal Government to take more proactive measures to protect citizens and fulfil its responsibility of ensuring safety across the country.
Oyelade expressed concern over the continued occurrence of kidnapping and banditry despite repeated assurances from the Federal Government on efforts to improve national security.
He also claimed that more than 200 Nigerians were still being held in forests after being abducted in various circumstances, alleging that the authorities had yet to establish their whereabouts.
The release of the 20 prospective corps members has brought relief to their families and ended days of uncertainty over their safety.
However, details surrounding their release, including whether any arrests were made or ransom was paid, were not immediately disclosed.
