Parents of 20 graduates abducted while travelling from Ibadan to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Imo State have appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to intervene and secure the release of their children.
The parents, who converged on the Olubadan’s residence in Bodija, Ibadan, on Friday, urged the monarch to deploy his influence and personal contacts towards ensuring the safe release of the abducted prospective corps members.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Alhaja Halima Akande and Mr Oyebola Michael Akande, said their children had spent about two days in captivity, describing their ordeal as traumatic and frightening.
The parents appealed to Oba Ladoja to use his good offices to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders in efforts to rescue the victims.
The Olubadan, who received the parents at about 1:36 p.m., was accompanied by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri.
Oba Ladoja assured the distraught parents that efforts were ongoing to resolve the situation, stressing that the government was deeply concerned about the safety of the abducted graduates.
“Fortunately, the Oyo CP is here. He would brief you,” the Olubadan told the parents.
The Oyo State Commissioner of Police also assured the parents and the public that security agencies and the government were working to address the situation.
He said efforts were being made to secure the safe release of the abducted prospective corps members.
The meeting ended with the parents expressing hope that the ongoing efforts would lead to the safe return of their children.
