The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has confirmed the release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were abducted while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their orientation camps in the South-East.
The confirmation was conveyed by the Olubadan’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, on Wednesday. According to Oloko, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma confirmed the release during a telephone conversation with Ladoja at about 5pm.
The prospective corps members were abducted on October 1 when gunmen attacked two buses carrying the graduates along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in the Umunoha area of Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
The victims were travelling to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when the attackers reportedly took them into the bush. Their abduction had sparked concern among their families, who subsequently sought the intervention of Ladoja and security agencies.
The development comes days after the Imo State Police Command disclosed that security operatives had located the suspected kidnappers’ camp using drone surveillance but were initially unable to move into the area because intelligence indicated that improvised explosive devices had been planted around the location.
Earlier reports also said the abductors demanded a ransom of N50 million for each victim, amounting to N1 billion, although it was not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid before the release.
Reports on Wednesday indicated that joint security forces, including the military, Department of State Services and police, were involved in efforts that led to the victims’ release. The circumstances surrounding the rescue, including whether arrests were made, were not immediately disclosed.
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