A joint security operation involving the military, Department of State Services (DSS), police and other security agencies has rescued 20 prospective NYSC members and one civilian who were abducted in Imo State. The graduates were travelling from Ibadan to their respective NYSC orientation camps when gunmen attacked two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha.
Security sources said the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at a DSS facility, while efforts are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the abduction and apprehend any remaining suspects. It was not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid for their release, although the kidnappers were previously reported to have demanded ₦50 million for each victim.
The parents of the abducted graduates had earlier appealed for help after the kidnappers reportedly contacted them through the mobile phones of some of the victims. The families visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, alongside the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri, seeking intervention for the safe release of their children.
