Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed relief over the release of corps members from the state who were abducted in Imo State, while urging the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle kidnapping and banditry.
The state government, through the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, congratulated the Oyo and Imo state governments and the Federal Government on the successful release of the victims.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Oyelade said the government was relieved that the corps members had regained their freedom after spending days in captivity.
He, however, urged the Federal Government to take more proactive steps to address the country’s persistent insecurity, noting that it had the greatest capacity to tackle the challenge.
“It is worrisome that large pockets of kidnappings and banditry still dominate the Nigerian landscape, the constant robust assurances from the President notwithstanding,” Oyelade said.
The commissioner commended the efforts that led to the corps members’ release but stressed the need for stronger measures to prevent similar incidents.
He noted that, at the last count, at least 200 Nigerians were still being held in forests after being abducted, alleging that the government appeared to have no clear knowledge of their whereabouts.
Oyelade called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and coordinated operations to rescue those still in captivity and prevent further abductions.
He reaffirmed the Oyo State Government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of its citizens, particularly youths serving the country under the National Youth Service Corps scheme.