All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship aspirant in Imo State, Mazi Okechukwu C. Okechukwu, has condemned the abduction of 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the Owerri–Onitsha Road, calling on security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure their safe release.
The corps members were reportedly travelling from Ibadan to different NYSC orientation camps in the South-East and South-South when gunmen intercepted their commercial bus around Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed the abduction and said efforts were underway to rescue the victims.
Reacting to the incident, Okechukwu described the abduction as deeply concerning, noting that the victims were young Nigerians travelling to answer the call to national service.
He said the circumstances surrounding the incident were particularly painful because the corps members were simply on their way to contribute their quota to the country and should have been able to undertake the journey safely.
Okechukwu called on the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies and relevant authorities to deploy all necessary resources and intelligence towards locating the victims and securing their release unharmed.
He also urged that, beyond their rescue, the corps members should receive the necessary support to recover from the experience and be reunited with their families.
According to him, the safety and dignity of citizens must remain a collective responsibility, stressing that Nigerians should be able to travel, work and serve their country without living in fear of abduction.
“Our young people should be able to move freely in pursuit of education, service and opportunity. Nigeria should be safe for its people,” he said.
The APGA governorship aspirant expressed solidarity with the abducted corps members, their parents and loved ones, while urging residents and community stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist the ongoing rescue operation.
He further stressed the need for sustained efforts to strengthen security and public confidence across Imo State, noting that the state’s reputation for hospitality and the wellbeing of its people must be protected.
Security operatives are reportedly combing surrounding areas in search of the abducted corps members, while a Rapid Response Team has been deployed to track the perpetrators and support efforts to secure the victims’ release.
