RismadarVoice Reporters
October 8, 2026
The Oyo State Government has expressed relief following the reported release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were abducted by gunmen while travelling through Imo State.
The prospective corps members, who reportedly departed Ibadan, were intercepted by armed men along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway on October 1, 2026.
Their abduction sparked concern among families and members of the public over the safety of young Nigerians travelling across the country for the mandatory national service programme.
Reacting to their release, the Oyo State Government welcomed the development, which brought relief to families who had endured days of uncertainty over the whereabouts and safety of their relatives.
The incident has renewed attention on security challenges affecting major highways, particularly routes frequently used by prospective corps members travelling to their states of deployment.
Although the victims have reportedly regained their freedom, details surrounding their release remain unclear.
Authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive account of whether the victims were rescued through security operations, negotiations or other interventions.
It is also unclear whether any suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction.
The incident highlights continuing concerns about the exposure of travellers to kidnapping and other criminal activities along major interstate roads.
Prospective corps members are particularly affected by such security challenges because the NYSC programme requires graduates to travel to different parts of the country for orientation and national service.
The abduction has prompted renewed calls for stronger security arrangements along major highways, improved intelligence gathering and measures to protect young Nigerians travelling for national assignments.
The reported release of the 20 prospective corps members has brought relief to their families, although questions remain about the circumstances of their abduction and the measures needed to prevent similar incidents.
