Imo Govt Confirms Release Of 20 Abducted Corps Members

Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State, has confirmed the successful rescue of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps who were kidnapped in Imo State on October 1.

Governor Uzodimma issued a statement on Wednesday, personally affirming the rescue and release of the corps members.

He commended the security personnel for their efforts in achieving this significant outcome.

The corps members had departed from Oyo State in two buses, en route to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State, respectively, when they were intercepted at Umunoha along the Owerri-Onitsha Road and taken hostage.

Additionally, it has been reported that another kidnapped victim regained his freedom alongside the newly released university graduates.

Following their release, the individuals were transported to the state headquarters of the Department of State Security in Owerri, the state capital, where they are currently receiving medical attention as of the time of this report.

It remains to be determined whether any ransom was paid prior to the release of the abducted corps members.

The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N950 million but subsequently reduced the amount.

At one point, the kidnappers threatened the families of the affected corps members with a 24-hour deadline to pay the ransom, warning that failure to do so would result in severe consequences for the graduates.

In response to the situation, the Inspector General of Police deployed a special squad to Imo State to facilitate the rescue of the abductees and apprehend their captors.

Prior to the arrival of the IGP’s squad, security authorities reported having located the hideout of the abductors; however, a raid was delayed due to the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at the camp.