RismadarVoice Reporters
October 7, 2026
Families of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling to their orientation camps in Imo State have expressed relief following reports that they have regained their freedom.
The families, however, said they were still awaiting direct contact with their children, who they said remained with the Department of State Services following their release.
A spokesperson for the affected families, Alhaja Alimot Akande, confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying news of the release had eased the anxiety experienced by parents since the abduction.
Akande said the families were grateful that the prospective corps members were safe but disclosed that the ordeal had placed considerable emotional and financial pressure on them.
According to her, the families made their own arrangements after receiving alleged ransom demands from the abductors. She claimed that no government financial assistance was provided toward securing their release.
The circumstances surrounding the release, including whether any ransom was ultimately paid, have not been independently established.
Akande said the parents’ immediate priority was to speak with their children and ensure they were safely reunited with their families.
She also appealed to the authorities to provide the released prospective corps members with appropriate medical and psychological support before their return home.
The families further called for stronger security measures to protect prospective corps members travelling to orientation camps, arguing that young Nigerians reporting for national service should be adequately protected during their journeys.
Other parents expressed similar relief but said they remained eager to see their children and personally confirm their physical and emotional condition.
The release was also reportedly confirmed by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma during a telephone conversation with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Wednesday evening.
The monarch’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, said Uzodinma personally informed the Olubadan about the development.
For the affected families, attention has now shifted from securing the prospective corps members’ freedom to their safe reunion with their relatives and recovery from the ordeal.
