Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed relief and joy over the release of the 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, raising concerns among their families and members of the public.
Their release was confirmed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, following a telephone conversation with the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, on Wednesday at about 5 p.m.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Olubadan’s Media Aide, Adeola Oloko.
Reacting to the release, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the state government was relieved that the abducted prospective corps members had regained their freedom.
“Oyo State Government is relieved at the release of our children from the bondage of abduction once again,” Oyelade said.
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He congratulated the Imo and Oyo State governments, as well as the Federal Government, on the safe release of the prospective corps members.
However, the commissioner urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle kidnapping and banditry across the country, stressing that it possessed the greatest power and capacity to address the security challenges.
“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,” he said.
Oyelade added, “It is worrisome that large pockets of kidnappings and banditry still dominate the Nigerian landscape, the constant robust assurances from the Presidency notwithstanding.”
He further claimed that no fewer than 200 Nigerians were still being held in forests after being abducted in circumstances where, according to him, the government appeared to have no clear knowledge of their whereabouts.
“At the last count, not less than 200 Nigerians are still languishing in forests, abducted in circumstances in which government appears to have no clue,” he said.
The release of the prospective corps members has brought relief to their families and ended days of uncertainty over their safety. Details surrounding their release, including whether any arrests were made or ransom was paid, were not immediately disclosed.
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