The Oyo State Government has condemned the abduction of some National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State, assuring their families that efforts are underway to secure their safe release.
The victims of Oyo origins were among 19 corps members travelling from Ibadan to their respective orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen reportedly attacked two buses conveying them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, on Thursday.
The state government, in a statement issued in Ibadan yesterday, by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said Governor Seyi Makinde had directed that all necessary resources be deployed towards securing the release of the abducted corps members.
Oyelade said the government was in close communication with relevant security agencies, the Imo State Government and the leadership of the NYSC to ensure a coordinated response to the incident.
He said the safety and well-being of every indigene of the state, both within and outside its borders, remained a top priority of the administration.
“Our hearts are with the affected young Nigerians and their families during this difficult and emotionally trying moment.
“The Oyo State Government received with deep concern the distressing report of the abduction of some corps members of Oyo State origin in Imo State.
“The Government of Oyo condemns this reprehensible act and is in close communication with relevant security agencies, the Imo State Government, and the leadership of the National Youth Service Corps to ensure a coordinated and urgent response,” he said.
The commissioner added that the government was “fully committed to securing the safe release of our children” and would ensure that they were reunited with their families unharmed.
It was gathered that the abductors had contacted some of the victims’ families and demanded ransom, reportedly asking for N50 million for each abducted corps member.
The incident has heightened anxiety among the families of the victims as security agencies intensify efforts to locate and rescue those still in captivity.
The two buses conveying the corps members left Bodija/Samonda Park in Ibadan on Wednesday but were delayed by traffic around Benin, Edo State. They later go to Anambra State, where they spent the night because they could not continue the journey due to the condition of the road and were attacked when they resumed their journey around 5am on Thursday.
The Imo State Police Command had said on Thursday night that 10 victims were rescued, although the Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, could not confirm whether the rescued persons were among the abducted corps members.
Oyelade urged the victims’ families to remain calm, assuring them that the government was actively engaging all relevant stakeholders.
He also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Oyo will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. The government stands firmly with the victims, their families, and the entire NYSC community at this time,” he said.