Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has explained why authorities deliberately kept details of the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members out of the public domain while security agencies worked to secure their release.
The governor said the decision was taken to avoid compromising the rescue operation and putting the lives of the abducted graduates at greater risk.
The 20 prospective corps members were rescued on Wednesday, October 7, after spending about a week in captivity following their abduction along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State. They were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom when their vehicles were attacked.
In a statement personally signed by him, Uzodimma said the authorities adopted a discreet and coordinated approach because the matter involved the safety of human lives.
He explained that releasing operational information while the victims were still being held could have jeopardised efforts to bring them home safely.
Security agencies praised
Uzodimma commended the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies involved in the operation, praising what he described as their collaboration and patriotism.
He also expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the Imo and Oyo State governments during the rescue effort.
The victims were reportedly rescued at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Imo State following sustained search-and-rescue operations. They were subsequently taken to a DSS facility in Owerri for medical assessment and necessary care.
The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, also visited the rescued prospective corps members at the facility.
Governor appeals for patience
The Imo governor thanked the parents and relatives of the abducted graduates for their patience and understanding throughout the ordeal.
He said the government would continue supporting efforts aimed at protecting lives and property, while urging Nigerians to maintain confidence in ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies to address the country’s security challenges.
Police authorities have said investigations are continuing, with efforts underway to identify and arrest those responsible for the abduction.
The release of the 20 prospective corps members has brought relief to their families after days of uncertainty, although calls have continued for the authorities to apprehend those behind the attack.
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