We’re engaging on all fronts to free kidnapped corps members – Oyo govt assures

The Oyo State Government has assured that it is actively engaging on all fronts to secure release of some corps members of the state origin who were recently abducted by yet- to- be identified gunmen in Imo State.

“We are fully committed to securing the safe release of our children and will stop at nothing to ensure that they are reunited with their families without harm,” Oyo state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade said in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday.

According to the statement, Oyo government is in close communication with relevant security agencies, the Imo Government, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) leadership to ensure a coordinated and urgent response to the abduction of the corps members.

The statement also indicated that Gov. Seyi Makinde has directed that all necessary resources be deployed to this effect.

Makinde, the statement said, emphasised that the safety and well-being of every indigene of the state, within and outside its borders, remains a top priority.

The government urged families of the abducted corps members to remain calm, assuring them that the state is actively engaged on all fronts to secure their release.

It also called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Nevertheless, the state government condemned the abduction of the corps members, describing the incident as distressing and reprehensible.

While condemning the abduction in strong terms, trhe government said its heart is with the affected young Nigerians and their families.

The Imo Police Command had on Thursday evening confirmed the abduction of the corps members and other passengers in two buses going from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom and Bende in Abia State.

The spokesperson for Imo Command, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to newsmen in Owerri.

Okoye said that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to rescue the victims and arrest the suspects.

“Two buses, conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers from Ibadan to Uyo, and Bende in Abia, respectively, were attacked by suspected armed men.

“Following a swift response by the Police and other security agencies, both buses have been recovered and 10 victims were rescued at the scene,” he stated.

He further stated that the exact number of people abducted was being verified and would be made public, once confirmed.

“Operatives are conducting coordinated search and rescue operation, backed by intelligence-led tracking of the suspects.

“The Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, alongside other Service Commanders, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to give operational direction,” he added.

He assured the public that the command would sustain the operation until all the victims had been safely rescued and the suspects brought to justice.

Okoye also hinted that the command was collaborating with the NYSC Directorate to reach the families of the affected corps members, who would be informed as developments unfolded.

“The command appeals for calm and urges the public to remain vigilant.

“Anyone with credible information should report to the nearest police station or contact the command’s emergency lines.

“All information will be treated in utmost confidentiality,” he further stated.