Makinde Welcomes Release of Abducted Oyo Corps Members, Urges Stronger Security

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has welcomed the release of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from the state who were abducted in Imo State, while calling on the Federal Government to intensify efforts against kidnapping and banditry.

The state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the release had brought relief to the victims’ families and the government. He congratulated the Oyo, Imo and Federal Governments on the development but urged the Federal Government to take more proactive steps to protect Nigerians.

Oyelade expressed concern that kidnapping and banditry persisted despite repeated assurances of improved security. He also claimed that at least 200 Nigerians remained in captivity in forests across the country.

The prospective corps members were abducted last week while travelling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps in the South-East. Gunmen reportedly attacked their buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State. Their release was confirmed on Wednesday after days of uncertainty.