Security agencies have located the suspected hideout of kidnappers holding prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State, but an alleged threat from improvised explosive devices has delayed an immediate rescue operation.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, said security operatives tracked the kidnappers into the bush and used drones to identify the location of the suspected camp. He said personnel were preparing to advance with specialised equipment and armoured vehicles to rescue the victims safely.
The prospective corps members were travelling in two buses from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom when gunmen attacked the vehicles along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State.
There are conflicting accounts over the number of people abducted and those rescued. While security agencies initially reported that 10 passengers had been rescued, the victims’ parents said those individuals escaped from the attackers and that about 20 prospective corps members remained in captivity.
The Defence Headquarters had also reported that 20 passengers were abducted, with 10 people, including eight prospective corps members, subsequently rescued.
Meanwhile, the families of the abducted graduates said the kidnappers were demanding N50 million for each victim and had issued a 24-hour deadline for payment. The parents have appealed to the authorities and traditional leaders to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of their children.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations and two commissioners of police to strengthen the search-and-rescue operation.
The Oyo State Government has also pledged support for efforts to secure the victims’ release and is liaising with the Imo State Government, security agencies and the NYSC leadership.
