The 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to orientation camps in Abia State have regained their freedom, seven days after in captivity.
Penpushing reports that it would be recalled that the victims were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, and the kidnappers, thereafter, the abductors demanded N50 million for each victim, amounting to N1 billion, but later reduced the ransom to N5 million per person, totalling N100 million.
The police command subsequently announced that its operatives had traced the kidnappers’ hideout using drone surveillance, however, said its operatives could not immediately access the camp after discovering that the area had been planted with improvised explosive devices.
Penpushing further reports that as at the time of filing this report authorities have yet to provide details on the circumstances surrounding the rescue, including whether any of the suspects were arrested or a ransom was paid.
The rescued victims are said to be undergoing treatment at the Department of State Services Hospital in Owerri, Imo State, as at the time of filing this report, however, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, visited the facility to meet the victims and assess their condition.
Penpushing also reports that Nafiu was accompanied by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Imo State.
The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, on Wednesday equally confirmed the release of the victims, however, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, commended the security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.
Penpushing reports that Uzodimma in a statement personally signed praised the personnel for what he described as their cooperation and patriotism in ensuring that the corps members were brought out safely.
The Governor also acknowledged the joint efforts of the Oyo and Imo State governments towards securing the release of the remaining captives, adding that the sensitive nature of the operation, which involved the safety of the victims, informed the decision by the government to keep details of the efforts away from the public while the operation was ongoing.
Penpushing further reports that he expressed gratitude to the security agencies for the discreet and coordinated manner in which they handled the operation, and praised the victims’ parents for remaining patient throughout the ordeal and urged Nigerians to maintain confidence in the government’s efforts to address insecurity.
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