RismadarVoice Reporters
October 7, 2026
Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their orientation camps have regained their freedom.
Confirmation of their release came on Wednesday evening through the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
The monarch’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, said Ladoja received confirmation during a telephone conversation with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma at about 5 p.m.
The prospective corps members were abducted on October 1 after gunmen attacked vehicles conveying them along the Owerri–Onitsha Road near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
They were travelling from Ibadan to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when the incident occurred.
Their abduction had triggered concern among their families, who subsequently appealed to the Olubadan and security agencies for intervention.
The Inspector-General of Police had also deployed senior officers to coordinate efforts towards securing their release.
Confirmation that the prospective corps members had regained their freedom brought relief to their families after days of uncertainty.
Details of the operation that led to their release and whether any arrests were made were not immediately disclosed.
Authorities had also not publicly provided details on whether any ransom was paid as of the time of filing this report.
