Parents of the 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) abducted while travelling to their orientation camps in Imo State have expressed relief following confirmation that their children have regained their freedom.
The prospective corps members were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their NYSC orientation camps in the South-East. They were rescued in an intelligence-led operation involving security agencies, according to reports.
The victims are currently receiving medical attention at a Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Imo State, according to security sources cited by TheCable and Channels Television.
The confirmation of their release brought significant relief to the affected families after days of uncertainty over the safety of their children.
Parents Await Reunion With Children
Although the families welcomed the news, some parents said their relief remained mixed with anxiety because they had yet to establish direct contact with their children.
Alhaja Halima Akande, who has been involved in efforts by the affected families to secure the release of the prospective corps members, said the parents were grateful that their children had regained their freedom.
She said the families had endured days of fear and uncertainty and were eager to reunite with their children.
According to Akande, the families’ immediate concern was to establish direct contact with the prospective corps members and confirm their physical and emotional wellbeing.
The latest reports indicate that the rescued victims were receiving medical attention at a DSS facility, suggesting that authorities were attending to their immediate welfare following the ordeal.
Families Say Abduction Took Emotional and Financial Toll
Akande said the abduction placed a significant emotional and financial burden on the affected families.
She explained that parents had made individual arrangements after alleged ransom demands were communicated by the abductors.
The families had earlier told the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, that the abductors demanded N1 billion in total ransom for the 20 prospective corps members, reportedly giving the families 24 hours to meet the demand.
Akande said the parents were desperate to ensure that their children returned alive and had to explore whatever options were available to them.
She also said the affected families did not receive financial assistance from the government towards securing the release of their children.
Parents Demand Medical and Psychological Support
With the prospective corps members now free, the families have appealed to the government and security agencies to ensure that the victims receive proper medical and psychological care.
Akande said the young Nigerians had gone through a traumatic experience and should not simply be released without adequate support.
She also called for stronger security arrangements for prospective corps members travelling to orientation camps across the country.
According to her, young Nigerians fulfilling their national service obligations should be protected while travelling to their respective orientation camps.
Other Parents Express Relief
One of the affected parents, Femi Adewale, said the confirmation of the release had brought relief after days of uncertainty over the fate of his child.
He said the family’s immediate priority was to see the prospective corps members, speak with them and confirm that they were safe.
Another parent, Sade Oyeyemi, also expressed gratitude following the confirmation, particularly because her only daughter was among those abducted.
Janet Oladosu, another affected parent, similarly said the news had brought relief to families that had spent days living in fear and praying for the safe return of their children.
Uzodinma Confirms Release to Olubadan Ladoja
The release was confirmed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma during a telephone conversation at about 5pm on Wednesday.
Adeola Oloko, media aide to the Olubadan, said Uzodinma personally conveyed the confirmation to the monarch.
The Olubadan had earlier received the parents of the abducted prospective corps members at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan, where the families appealed for his intervention.
The development subsequently brought relief to relatives who had remained anxious since the abduction.
Security Agencies Rescue 20 Corps Members
The rescue operation involved security agencies including the DSS, military and police, according to reports.
Channels Television reported that the 20 prospective corps members and another person regained their freedom and were receiving medical attention at the DSS Hospital in Owerri.
TheCable also reported that a joint team of DSS, military and police operatives carried out the operation that led to the rescue of the 20 NYSC members.
The prospective corps members were abducted on October 1 after gunmen reportedly attacked buses carrying passengers along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway in Umunoha, Imo State.
For the affected families, the priority now is to reunite with their children and ensure they receive the medical and psychological support needed after the traumatic experience.