Follow Us on Google
•Says victims rescued unharmed, praises Oyo–Imo synergy
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri and Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has commended security agencies for securing the release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Onitsha-Owerri Road, saying all the victims were rescued unharmed.
In a statement he personally signed, Uzodimma praised the agencies for their collaboration and patriotism, expressing satisfaction with the joint efforts of the Oyo and Imo state governments towards securing the captives’ freedom.
He explained that the government had been cautious about releasing information to the public because lives were at stake, hence the discreet manner in which the matter was handled.
The governor expressed gratitude to the security agencies for their discreet and coordinated response and praised the parents for their patience during the trying period.
He urged Nigerians to have faith in the Federal Government’s ability to overcome the country’s security challenges.
The Police also confirmed the rescue of the 20 prospective corps members, who regained their freedom on Wednesday after six days in captivity.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, in a statement, said the victims were rescued at Amakohia Ubi village in Imo State following sustained search-and-rescue operations involving the police and sister security agencies.
“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with sister security agencies, has rescued the 20 prospective NYSC corps members abducted in Imo State on 1st October 2026,” the statement read.
The police said the victims had been taken for medical assessment and necessary care, while coordinated operations were continuing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction and bring all culpable persons to justice.
The Force appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and support, reiterating its commitment to protecting lives and property and responding promptly to security threats.
Other News
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release, saying Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, informed him during a telephone conversation at about 5pm.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued by the monarch’s media aide, Adeola Oloko.
Sources in Owerri told our correspondent that the victims regained their freedom at about 4pm and were taken to the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Owerri for medical attention.
Another hostage regained freedom alongside the prospective corps members.
The victims were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen intercepted their two buses near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, on October 1.
Their abduction sparked anxiety among relatives, some of whom visited the Olubadan’s residence in Ibadan on October 3 to seek his intervention.
The parents had said the kidnappers demanded ₦50 million for each victim, amounting to ₦1 billion for the 20 captives.
“Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” they pleaded.
The reported ransom demand was subsequently reduced to ₦5 million per victim, totalling ₦100 million. There was no confirmation that either sum was paid before their release.
Neither the police statement nor the Olubadan’s statement disclosed whether a ransom was paid or gave further details of how the victims’ freedom was secured.
