Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and security agencies following the successful rescue of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from Oyo State who were abducted in Imo State.
The prospective corps members, who were travelling from Oyo State to their NYSC orientation camps, were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road. They regained their freedom on Wednesday, seven days after the incident, following sustained search-and-rescue operations. The police confirmed that the victims were rescued at Amakohia Ubi Village.
Reacting to the development, Alli, in a statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity of his campaign organisation, Bisi Oladele, described the rescue as a major relief to the victims, their families and the people of Oyo State.
The APC candidate praised President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma for their leadership, while commending the security agencies for their courage, professionalism and coordinated efforts that led to the safe release of the young Nigerians.
Alli said the rescue was particularly reassuring because the victims were young Nigerians who were on their way to commence the mandatory national service when they were abducted. He urged security agencies to sustain the momentum by strengthening intelligence gathering and improving cooperation among the various security formations to prevent similar incidents.
He also called for the identification and prosecution of those behind the abduction, stressing that the successful rescue should be followed by efforts to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The senator further appealed to members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent criminal activities and protect lives. He stressed that ensuring the safety of citizens requires cooperation between government, security agencies and the public.
Alli expressed sympathy with the victims and their families over the traumatic experience, while praying for the speedy recovery of the rescued corps members and emotional healing for their relatives.
