NYSC members’ abduction: Mazi Okechukwu commends security agencies’ swift response
— Urges rescue of remaining victims
APGA governorship aspirant in Imo State, Mazi Okechukwu C. Okechukwu, has commended the Nigeria Police Force, the military and other security agencies for their swift response following the abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Imo State.
Okechukwu, in a statement reacting to the latest developments on the incident, welcomed the rescue of some of the victims, including prospective corps members, while calling for sustained efforts to ensure the safe rescue of those still unaccounted for.
“While this development brings some relief, particularly to the families of those who have been rescued, my thoughts remain firmly with those who are still unaccounted for. The rescue operation must continue until every victim is safely recovered and reunited with their loved ones,” he said.
He particularly acknowledged the decision of the Inspector-General of Police to deploy the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, alongside two Commissioners of Police, to Imo State to strengthen and coordinate the ongoing search-and-rescue operation.
Okechukwu urged the security agencies to sustain the operation and deploy every necessary resource to secure the safe return of the remaining victims.
“However, this is not the time to relent. I urge the security agencies to intensify the operation, deploy every necessary resource and sustain the coordination required to ensure that all those still in captivity or whose whereabouts remain unknown are brought home safely,” he said.
He described the abducted prospective corps members as young Nigerians who were travelling to their respective orientation camps to answer the call to national service.
“These are young Nigerians who were travelling to their various orientation camps to answer the call to national service. They left their homes with the intention of serving their country and should never have had to face such an ordeal,” Okechukwu said.
The APGA governorship aspirant also expressed concern for families still awaiting the return of their loved ones and urged the authorities to keep them adequately informed as rescue efforts continue.
He appealed to residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to support security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation, while cautioning members of the public against circulating unverified information capable of complicating the efforts of security personnel.
Okechukwu further called for adequate medical and psychological support for those already rescued.
“For those who have been rescued, I hope they receive the necessary medical and psychological support following their ordeal and are safely reunited with their families,” he said.
He expressed solidarity with the affected families and called for continued prayers for the safe return of those still missing.
“My thoughts and prayers remain with every affected family, particularly those still waiting for their loved ones to return. At this moment, our collective priority must be to ensure that every remaining victim is brought home safely,” Okechukwu said.
