The 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and one other abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway on Thursday, October 1, have regained their freedom.
The victims were rescued on Wednesday in an intelligence-led operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), police, and other security agencies.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at a DSS facility in Imo State, according to the latest information on the incident.
Details of the operation, including whether any arrests were made or ransom was paid, have not yet been ascertained.
The victims were abducted while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
The two buses conveying the prospective corps members were reportedly attacked near Umunoha in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
Following the abduction, the Imo State Police Command later said its operatives had located the kidnappers’ camp through drone surveillance but were unable to immediately enter the location because it was reportedly mined with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The Police had earlier confirmed that 10 victims were rescued following the attack, while efforts continued to locate the remaining abductees.
The latest development brings an end to the ordeal of the 20 corps members and the other abducted victim, who have now been reunited with safety and are receiving medical attention in Imo State.
Olubadan Confirms Release Of Abducted Oyo Prospective Corps Members
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has confirmed the release of the abducted victims.
The confirmation was contained in a statement signed by the Media Aide to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Adeola Oloko.
“The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, received the confirmation on Wednesday from the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, during a telephone conversation at about 5 p.m.,” the statement reads.