Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, 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, congratulated the Imo and Oyo State Governments as well as the Federal Government on the successful release of the corps members.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, Oyelade said the Oyo State Government was relieved that the corps members had regained their freedom after being held in captivity.
He, however, urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle the persistent challenge of kidnapping and banditry across the country.
According to him, the Federal Government, which has the greatest power and capacity to effectively address the insecurity crisis, must be more proactive and live up to 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,” Oyelade stated.
The commissioner said the release of the Oyo corps members was a development worthy of commendation, while stressing that more needed to be done to prevent similar incidents.
He noted that, at the last count, no fewer than 200 Nigerians were still languishing in forests after being abducted in circumstances where government appeared to have no clear knowledge of their whereabouts.
Oyelade urged relevant 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.
