The Oyo State Government has announced that it is working closely with the Imo State Government and relevant security agencies to secure the safe release of 20 prospective corps members of Oyo State origin who were abducted in Imo State. The abduction occurred on Thursday when gunmen attacked two buses conveying the graduates along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State. The corps members were traveling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps.
According to the Commissioner for Information in Oyo State, Dotun Oyelade, the government is maintaining close contact with the Imo State Government and engaging with security agencies in both states to ensure the safe release of the abducted corps members. Oyelade stated that Oyo State is sharing its experiences and templates garnered during the Oriire kidnapping incident to aid in the rescue efforts.
The abductors reportedly demanded N50m for each victim, amounting to N1bn. The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, confirmed this information. The Oyo State Government has assured that it will continue to work with the Imo State Government, security agencies, and other stakeholders towards the safe return of the abducted corps members.
Oyelade explained that governments do not typically disclose all measures being taken in delicate security situations, particularly where such disclosures could compromise ongoing operations. He emphasized that the focus should be on the Federal Government and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, who are responsible for national security.
The Oyo State Government is utilizing the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the abduction, submitted last week by the Hon. Justice Mojeed Owoade-led panel, in its discussions with the Imo State Government. Governor Seyi Makinde had previously appealed to President Bola Tinubu to expedite action on the abducted 40 Borno students, who were kidnapped on May 15.
The incident has raised concerns about insecurity on highways, particularly in the region. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been working to ensure the safety of its members, but the recent abduction has highlighted the need for increased security measures. The Oyo State Government has assured that it will do everything possible to secure the safe release of the abducted corps members.
The collaboration between the Oyo and Imo state governments is seen as a positive step towards resolving the situation. The two governments are working together to ensure that the abducted corps members are rescued safely. The incident has also raised concerns about the security situation in the region, and the need for increased cooperation between governments and security agencies to address the issue.
Key points
- Oyo and Imo state governments collaborate to rescue 20 abducted corps members
- Abductors demand N50m for each victim, amounting to N1bn
- Oyo State Government shares experiences and templates to aid in rescue efforts
