Twenty prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were kidnapped while traveling from Oyo State to their orientation camps in Abia State have been released after spending seven days in captivity. Their release has brought a wave of relief among their families, who had been living in fear since the abduction occurred along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State.

The confirmation of their freedom was reported by both Punch Newspapers and Vanguard News, with parents expressing a mix of joy and anxiety. Alhaja Alimot Akande, a spokesperson for the families, shared that while they were grateful for the release, they had not yet been able to establish direct contact with their children, who are reportedly still with the Department of State Services (DSS).

"We are happy that they have been released. This is what every parent has been waiting and praying for," Akande stated. However, she emphasized that the ordeal had taken a significant emotional and financial toll on the families. Each family reportedly had to negotiate separately with the abductors regarding ransom payments, as no assistance was provided by the government.

One parent, Mr. Femi Adewale, expressed his relief, stating, "We are very happy and relieved that our children have been released. It has been a very difficult period for us as parents because we did not know what would happen to them."

Another parent, Mrs. Sade Oyeyemi, shared her emotional struggle, especially as her only daughter was among those abducted. "As a mother, you cannot explain the kind of fear and pain you go through when you do not know where she is or what is happening to her," she said.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release following a conversation with Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, who provided the update around 5 PM on Wednesday. The monarch had been closely monitoring the situation and expressed his relief upon hearing the news.

Despite the joyful news, Akande urged authorities to ensure that the released corps members receive proper medical and psychological support before reuniting with their families. She highlighted the need for stronger security measures for prospective corps members traveling to orientation camps, noting that the incident has exposed the vulnerabilities faced by young Nigerians fulfilling their national service obligations.

The families are now hopeful for a swift reunion with their loved ones, but they remain anxious about the psychological impact of the traumatic experience on the young corps members. As they await further updates, the community continues to rally around those affected, emphasizing the importance of safety for all Nigerians, especially the youth embarking on national service.