Abducted NYSC Members: Parents Beg Olubadan, Oyo CP to Secure Their Release

Parents of prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, who were abducted while travelling to their orientation camps have appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, to intervene and ensure the safe release of their children.

The parents made the appeal on Saturday, October 3, 2026, when they visited the Olubadan at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan, amid growing concerns over the safety of the abducted graduates.

The prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen reportedly attacked their buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State.

Reports indicated that about 20 prospective corps members were abducted during the incident, while security agencies subsequently launched operations to rescue the victims.

Speaking on behalf of the affected families, some of the parents said the abductors had contacted them and demanded ransom, while allegedly threatening to harm the victims if their demands were not met.

One of the parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande, appealed to the traditional ruler and security authorities to intervene urgently, expressing fears over the safety of the abducted graduates.

The parents said they were unable to raise the amount demanded by the kidnappers and called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.

Responding to the appeal, Oba Ladoja assured the families that concerted efforts were being made by security agencies to rescue the abducted graduates alive and unharmed.

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, also assured the parents that the police were working with their counterparts in Imo State to secure the victims’ release.

The police authorities have since intensified the search-and-rescue operation, with the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, deploying the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate the effort.

The development has heightened concerns among families and residents over the safety of young Nigerians travelling to fulfil their national service obligations.

Security agencies have appealed for calm and urged members of the public with credible information that could assist the rescue operation to promptly contact the police or the nearest security formation.