By Mary Onyia

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has commended security agencies for rescuing 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and another abducted person along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.

The victims reportedly regained their freedom on Wednesday, October 7, seven days after gunmen abducted them near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. They were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The rescued victims are reportedly receiving medical attention at the Department of State Services (DSS) Hospital in Owerri. NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nnaefiu, was reported to have visited them alongside senior security officials.

In a statement he personally signed, Uzodimma praised the security agencies for their “collaboration and patriotism” in securing the victims’ release. He also commended the Imo and Oyo state governments for their cooperation, explaining that officials had kept details of the operation confidential to protect the captives’ lives.

The governor thanked the victims’ parents for their patience during the ordeal and urged Nigerians to maintain faith in the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle insecurity. Meanwhile, the police said efforts were continuing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.