Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has explained that authorities deliberately kept details of the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and another passenger away from the public while security agencies worked to rescue them.
The victims were abducted on October 1 after gunmen attacked two buses travelling along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in the Umunoha area of Mbaitoli Local Government Area. The buses were carrying prospective corps members travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps in the South-East and South-South.
After the attack, security agencies launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies. Ten victims were initially rescued, while efforts continued to locate those who had been taken into the bush.
The search later led security operatives to a suspected hideout believed to be used by the abductors. However, the operation to access the location was delayed after intelligence indicated that the area could have been planted with improvised explosive devices. Additional equipment and operational assets were subsequently prepared to enable security personnel reach the captives while reducing the risks to both the victims and the rescuers.
The remaining victims were eventually rescued on Wednesday following sustained operations. They were taken to the DSS Hospital in Owerri for medical assessment and necessary care. The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, visited the victims at the facility alongside senior security officials.
Explaining the decision to limit public information during the operation, Uzodimma said authorities were concerned that releasing sensitive operational details could put the lives of the captives at greater risk and interfere with the rescue effort. He commended the security agencies for their coordination and professionalism, as well as the Imo and Oyo State governments for their cooperation throughout the operation.
The governor also expressed appreciation to the families of the abducted prospective corps members for their patience during the ordeal and urged Nigerians to maintain confidence in the efforts of security agencies as the government continues to tackle insecurity.
Meanwhile, security agencies are continuing efforts to track down those responsible for the abduction. The police have said operations aimed at apprehending the perpetrators remain ongoing.
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