Amanze Chinonye
Twenty prospective members of Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and another passenger abducted in Imo State have been freed following a joint security operation, bringing an end to days of uncertainty for their families, Prime Business Africa reports.
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The victims were abducted on Oct. 1 after two buses carrying prospective corps members from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states were attacked in the Okpaaku area of Imo State.
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Security agencies subsequently launched a search for the abductees, involving the police, military and Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the Police, The victims were rescued on Wednesday at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained search-and-rescue operations.
Police surveillance drones were used to identify the area where the victims were being held, but security personnel faced difficulties accessing the suspected kidnappers’ hideout after intelligence indicated that the area had been planted with improvised explosive devices.
The operation was later reinforced with additional equipment, including bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers, as security agencies worked to reach the victims without putting their lives at further risk.
Police had earlier announced the rescue of 10 people following the attack, while the search continued for those still in captivity. The remaining 20 prospective corps members and another abducted passenger were later released, according to security sources.
The rescued victims were taken to a DSS hospital in Owerri for medical assessment and treatment.
NYSC Director-General Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu visited the victims at the facility, accompanied by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the state DSS director and the commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade.
For the families, the release ended days of anxiety over the whereabouts and safety of their relatives. Rebecca Adewale, whose son was among those abducted, said she received news of his release through a group chat set up for the affected families.
“I heard that my son has been released on the group chat where all the grieving parents belong,” Adewale said.
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Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma praised the security agencies for securing the victims’ release and commended the cooperation between the Imo and Oyo state governments.
Uzodimma said authorities had deliberately withheld details of the operation from the public to avoid jeopardising the safety of the hostages. He also commended the victims’ families for their patience while the security operation was under way.
The abduction has renewed concerns about the security of roads used by prospective corps members travelling to NYSC orientation camps, particularly as thousands of young Nigerians travel across the country for national service.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
