The Oyo State Government has assured that it is working closely with the Imo State Government and relevant security agencies to secure the safe release of corps members of Oyo State origin abducted in Imo State.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the state government was maintaining government-to-government contact with the Imo State Government while engaging security agencies in both states.
Oyelade said Oyo State was also making available the templates and experiences it gathered during the Oriire kidnapping incident to support efforts to secure the release of the abducted corps members.
He noted that the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Oriire abduction, submitted last week by the panel headed by Justice (Professor) Mojeed Owoade, was also being used in the ongoing discussions between the two states.
According to him, governments do not ordinarily disclose all measures being taken during sensitive security operations, particularly where such disclosure could compromise efforts to rescue victims.
The commissioner said attention should also be focused on the Federal Government and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, who have primary responsibility for national security, particularly actions taken within the first 72 hours following such incidents.
He recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had last week appealed to President Bola Tinubu to expedite action on the release of the 40 Borno students abducted on May 15.
Oyelade noted that the Borno students were kidnapped on the same day students and teachers of Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State were abducted.
He assured that the Oyo State Government would continue to collaborate with the Imo State Government, security agencies and other stakeholders until the abducted corps members regain their freedom.
“We are worried about the kidnapped corps members,” the commissioner quoted Governor Makinde as saying, stressing the state government’s commitment to ensuring their safe return.
