By Amby Uneze in Owerri
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has applauded security agencies for their quick intervention in securing the release of 20 corps members kidnapped along the Onitsha-Owerri Road a few days ago.
He said he was particularly pleased with the security agencies for their collaboration and patriotism in ensuring that the corps members were rescued unharmed.
The 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and one other person abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha near Owerri, the Imo State capital regained their freedom at about 4.00pm on Wednesday.
Sources informed Thisday in Owerri had it that the kidnapped victims were rescued as a result of frantic efforts of joint security operations after five days of planning and execution.
The victims are currently receiving medical attention at the Department of State Services Hospital in Owerri following their freedom.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, is presently at the DSS medical facility, where he is meeting with the rescued victims.
He is accompanied by senior security officials, including the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the State Director of the DSS and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade.
Sources who spoke with our reporter said the victims regained their freedom at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
However, when contacted for confirmation, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said he was unaware of the reported release, adding that he had not received any official briefing on the development.
However, on another enquiry, a senior DSS official confirmed the rescue and thanked the members of the joint security and the public for their cooperation.
In a statement he personally signed, Governor Uzodimma also expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts of both the Oyo and Imo State Governments towards the quick release of all 20 captives.
He said that since the issue involved the security of lives, the government was cautious about releasing too much information to the public, hence the discreet manner in which it was handled.
The Governor said he was particularly grateful to the security agencies for the discreet and collaborative manner in which they tackled the challenge.
He also praised the parents for their patience during the trying period and urged Nigerians to always have faith in the Federal Government to overcome the current security challenges in the country.
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