In a heartwarming reunion, the rescued prospective corps members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been reunited with their families in Ibadan, Oyo State. The young graduates, who were kidnapped on October 1 while en route to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states, were released on October 7 after a joint operation involving the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, and other security agencies. The rescued corps members were handed over to their family members at the DSS Oyo State headquarters in Aleshinloye around 8:30 PM on Thursday.
The reunion brought immense relief and joy to the families who had endured a week of agonizing uncertainty. Parents and family members had gathered at the DSS Headquarters, where the youths were debriefed upon arrival in the capital city. Before the freed youths reunited with their families, a DSS operative had addressed the parents and family members, urging them not to take photos or record anything during the wait. Emotional scenes of relief and gratitude unfolded as the young graduates reunited with their families.
One of the rescued corps members, Akande Morenikeji, recounted the traumatizing experience in captivity, describing it as mentally and physically draining. However, she clarified that the captives were not restrained in heavy chains, dispelling rumors that they were subjected to physical abuse. Morenikeji also stated that the female corps members were not subjected to sexual harassment or violence during their captivity.
A parent, Mrs. Akande, expressed overwhelming joy at being reunited with her child, stating that no financial compensation was given to the perpetrators to secure their freedom. Another mother, Faith Felicia Abiala, recounted the emotional toll the seven-day abduction took on parents, commending the coordinated security response that led to the safe return of the youth prospective corps members.
The rescued corps members have since undergone medical evaluations in Owerri and Ibadan, as security operatives continue operations to track down the perpetrators. The incident had triggered intense anxiety across Oyo State, prompting distressed parents to storm the private residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, alongside top state officials to solicit traditional and governmental intervention.
The NYSC members were ambushed along the Owerri-Onitsha Road while traveling to their orientation camps. The kidnappers had initially floated ransom demands as high as N1 billion. The successful rescue operation was a result of a joint effort by the DSS, police, and other security agencies.
Reflecting on the grave risks of long-distance interstate transit for national service, Abiala urged public authorities to review transport safety for youth corps members urgently. The incident highlights the need for improved security measures to ensure the safety of NYSC members during their service.
Key points
- The rescued NYSC members were reunited with their families in Ibadan after a 7-day ordeal.
- The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N1 billion.
- The incident highlights the need for improved security measures for NYSC members during interstate transit.
