RismadarVoice Reporters
October 4, 2026
The Oyo State Government says it is working with the Imo State Government and security agencies to secure the release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling through Imo State.
Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this on Sunday, saying both state governments were maintaining direct communication while security agencies continued efforts to secure the victims’ release.
The prospective corps members, who are reportedly from Oyo State, were travelling from Ibadan to their respective NYSC orientation camps when gunmen attacked two buses conveying them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road near Umunoha in Imo State on Thursday.
Reports indicated that the abductors demanded ₦50 million for each victim, potentially amounting to ₦1 billion. Authorities have not publicly confirmed that any ransom has been paid.
Oyelade said Oyo State was contributing lessons from its experience handling the earlier Oriire kidnapping incident.
He added that findings from the Judicial Commission of Inquiry established after that incident were also being considered during discussions between the two states.
According to the commissioner, the sensitive nature of kidnapping cases means governments and security agencies cannot publicly disclose every measure being taken during rescue operations, particularly where doing so could jeopardise the victims or ongoing security efforts.
He said attention should also remain on the response of the Federal Government and national security agencies, particularly actions taken during the critical period following the abduction.
Oyelade recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier called on President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts toward securing the release of other abducted Nigerians, including students kidnapped in Borno State.
The Oyo State Government said it would continue working with Imo authorities, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders until the abducted prospective corps members are safely reunited with their families.
