Oyo State government has expressed relief over the release of corps members from the state who were abducted in Imo State, describing their freedom as a welcome development.
The state government, through the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, has congratulated the Oyo and Imo State governments as well as the Federal Government on the successful release of the corps members.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Oyelade said the Oyo State Government was relieved that the corps members had regained their freedom after spending time in captivity.
He, however, urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle the persistent challenge of kidnapping and banditry across the country.
Oyelade said the Federal Government, which has the greatest capacity to address the insecurity crisis, must be more proactive and fulfil its promise of making Nigerians safer.
“It is worrisome that large pockets of kidnappings and banditry still dominate the Nigerian landscape, the constant robust assurances from the Presidency notwithstanding,” he stated.
The commissioner described the release of the Oyo corps members as a development worthy of commendation, but stressed that more needed to be done to prevent similar incidents.
He noted that, at the last count, no fewer than 200 Nigerians were still being held in forests after being abducted in circumstances where government appeared to have no clear knowledge of their whereabouts.
Oyelade called on security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and coordinated operations to rescue those still in captivity and prevent further abductions.
He reiterated the Oyo State Government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of its citizens, particularly youths serving the nation under the National Youth Service Corps scheme.