Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed joy over the release of prospective National Youth Service Corps members from the state who were abducted last Thursday in Imo State. The abducted individuals were on their way to NYSC orientation camps when gunmen attacked the buses they were traveling in. According to the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Oyo State Government is relieved at the release of the abducted corps members.
The abduction occurred along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, when gunmen attacked two buses conveying the 20 graduates. The Oyo and Imo State Governments, in collaboration with security agencies, had been making concerted efforts to secure the release of the abductees. The Commissioner for Information congratulated the Imo and Oyo State Governments and the Federal Government on the successful release of the corps members.
However, Prince Dotun Oyelade expressed concern over the persistent cases of kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria, despite assurances from the Presidency to keep citizens safer. He stated that it is worrisome that large pockets of kidnapping and banditry still dominate the Nigerian landscape. The commissioner called on the Federal Government to be more proactive in addressing the issue.
Oyelade also mentioned that at least 200 abducted Nigerians are still languishing in forests, with the government appearing to have no clue about their whereabouts. He emphasized the need for the Federal Government to live up to its promise to keep citizens safer across the land. The commissioner did not confirm the number of corps members who regained freedom.
The Oyo State Government's position was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan on Wednesday. The statement did not provide further details about the release of the corps members or the efforts made by the government to secure their freedom. Efforts to speak with Oyelade on the phone were unsuccessful.
The release of the abducted corps members is a relief to their families and the Oyo State Government. The incident had sparked widespread concern and calls for the government to take action to address the issue of kidnapping and banditry. The Oyo State Government's statement did not provide information on the condition of the released corps members.
The incident highlights the need for improved security measures to protect citizens, particularly in the area of transportation. The government has been urged to take concrete steps to address the issue of kidnapping and banditry, which has become a recurring problem in Nigeria.
Key points
- Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief over the release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State.
