Why Imo govt. kept mum on abducted NYSC members — Uzodimma

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has explained that his administration deliberately withheld information about the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to avoid jeopardising efforts to secure their release.

The prospective corps members were abducted at about 6:30 a.m. on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha Road near Umunoha, Imo State, while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The victims were released on Wednesday following a joint operation by the State Security Service, military personnel and police operatives in the state.

In a statement, Uzodimma commended the security agencies for what he described as their “swift intervention” and “discreet and collaborative” approach in securing the safe release of the victims.

The governor said the state government “deliberately adopted a discreet and coordinated approach to avoid releasing too much information” about the incident because it involved the security of human lives.

He explained that releasing excessive information could have jeopardised the investigation and affected efforts to secure the safe return of the abducted prospective corps members.

Uzodimma thanked the parents and families of the victims for their patience and understanding during the difficult period. He assured residents that his administration would continue to support measures aimed at protecting lives and property and strengthening security.

The governor urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue to have faith in the Federal Government’s efforts to address the country’s security challenges.