Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief over the release of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from the state who were abducted while en route to their orientation camps in Imo State. The abducted individuals, regarded as "our children," regained their freedom after days of uncertainty. Governor Makinde's administration had been working closely with the Imo State Government and security agencies to secure their release.
The abduction occurred last week when 20 Oyo indigenes, travelling in two buses, were attacked by gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State. The Oyo State Government had offered its experience and strategies from the Oriire kidnapping incident to support the rescue operation. The government had also been in talks with the Federal Government to ensure the safe release of the victims.
Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, issued a statement congratulating the governments of Oyo and Imo states, alongside the Federal Government, on securing the victims' release. He described the development as a relief for the state and the affected families. Oyelade expressed concern that despite repeated assurances from the Presidency on efforts to improve security, abductions and banditry continued in several parts of the country.
Oyelade urged the Federal Government to take more proactive steps to address insecurity, noting that it had the resources and capacity to tackle kidnapping and banditry nationwide. He claimed that at least 200 Nigerians remained in captivity in forests across the country. The commissioner emphasized the need for stronger security measures to prevent further abductions and protect Nigerians travelling across the country.
The release of the abducted corps members has been met with relief, and the Oyo State Government has renewed its call for enhanced security measures. Governor Makinde's administration is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. The state government will continue to work with the Federal Government and security agencies to prevent future incidents.
Kidnapping and banditry have become persistent security challenges in Nigeria, with many citizens falling victim to these crimes. The Federal Government has been urged to take a more decisive approach to addressing these issues. The Oyo State Government's efforts to secure the release of the abducted corps members demonstrate its commitment to protecting its citizens.
The prospective corps members were on their way to their NYSC orientation camps in the South-East when they were abducted. Their release is a testament to the collaboration between the Oyo and Imo state governments and security agencies. The Oyo State Government will continue to prioritize the safety and security of its citizens.
Key points
- Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde welcomes release of abducted prospective NYSC members.
- Commissioner for Information urges FG to take proactive steps to address insecurity.
- At least 200 Nigerians remain in captivity in forests across the country.
