Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed his joy following the release of several prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from the state who were kidnapped in Imo State last Thursday. The announcement was made through a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, during a press briefing in Ibadan.

In his remarks, Oyelade conveyed the state government's relief at the safe return of the abducted corps members. He commended the collaborative efforts of the Imo and Oyo State Governments, as well as the Federal Government, in securing their release. "The Oyo State Government is relieved at the release of our children from the bondage of abduction once again. We congratulate the Imo and Oyo State Governments and the Federal Government, too," he stated.

Despite the positive outcome, Oyelade expressed concern over the ongoing issue of kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria. He emphasized the need for the Federal Government to take more proactive measures in addressing the security challenges facing the country. "It is worrisome that large pockets of kidnapping and banditry still dominate the Nigerian landscape, the constant robust assurances from the Presidency notwithstanding," he remarked.

The commissioner highlighted the alarming number of Nigerians still held captive, noting that at least 200 individuals are currently in captivity across various locations in the country. He pointed out that the government's apparent lack of effective strategies to combat these incidents is troubling.

The corps members were reportedly on their way to NYSC orientation camps when they were ambushed by armed men who attacked their buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State. While the exact number of those released has not been confirmed, the successful intervention by security agencies and state governments has been acknowledged as a significant step in addressing the kidnapping crisis.

As the situation unfolds, the Oyo State Government continues to call for enhanced security measures to protect citizens and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.