For seven days, 20 families in Ibadan did not know if their children were alive. On Wednesday, the wait ended.

The 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State regained their freedom at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Owerri West Local Government Area. They had been held since October 1.

The victims were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. Armed men intercepted their convoy at Umunoha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

There were 30 people in two buses. The gunmen forced them into the bush.

Ten escaped. The remaining 20 were taken hostage. Their families spent the week in anguish, trying to make contact and praying for news.

The release brought relief. But it came with uncertainty. Some parents said they had not spoken directly with their children. The freed victims were undergoing medical examinations and receiving care.

How Security Agencies Found The Victims

The Imo State Police Command said the victims were freed through intelligence-led search-and-rescue operations. Multiple agencies took part.

These included the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

CSP Anietie Iniedu is the Force Public Relations Officer. He confirmed the rescue and said efforts were ongoing to arrest those responsible.

Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso said intelligence helped operatives locate the area where the victims were held. Security operatives moved in, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon their captives.

“Our intelligence-led policing gets us in touch with other security agencies. All worked in synergy,” Bosso said.

“Having gotten the locations, we moved as per our search and rescue operations. We got to the community where they were kept in captivity. The criminals fled, and we were able to rescue the victims.”

A video seen by The Nation on X showed the freed victims looking cheerful. Some held bottled water and soft drinks. Others chatted among themselves. They were later taken for medical assessment and treatment.

Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, the NYSC Director-General, visited the victims at the DSS Clinic in Owerri.

He was accompanied by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the state Director of the DSS and the Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade.

Ransom Allegation And Families’ Ordeal

The security account was not the only version of events. A relative of one abductee alleged that ransom was paid. He said his sister was among the victims.

According to him, the kidnappers reduced their initial demand, and the family paid ₦5 million.

“We paid our ransom in full. They reduced the money to ₦5 million, and we paid in full,” the relative said.

Asked whether security agencies rescued the victims, he replied: “No security rescued them.” He declined to give further details. The police have not confirmed whether ransom was paid.

In Ibadan, the release ended a week of emotional torture. Mrs Iyabo Akande played a leading role in efforts to secure the victims’ freedom. She said families were relieved but not yet at peace.

“We are happy that they have been released. This is what every parent has been waiting and praying for,” she said. “Our joy is not yet complete because we have not been able to speak with them directly. What we have heard is that they are still with the DSS.”

Akande said families faced enormous emotional and financial pressure. Individual parents made separate arrangements after ransom demands. She alleged that no government provided financial assistance.

“The release did not come for free. The individual parents were responsible for the release in their separate ways,” she said. “No government gave us anything to support the families towards the release of our children.”

She described the ordeal as psychologically traumatic. She said the victims would need medical and psychological support.

“You cannot sleep or eat properly,” she said. “You are constantly thinking about where your child is, what the child is going through and whether the child is still alive.”

Other parents shared the relief. Mr Femi Adewale said the period had been very difficult.

Mrs Sade Oyeyemi, whose only daughter was among the abductees, said she simply wanted to see and hear her child. Mrs Janet Oladosu thanked God that the victims were alive.

Monarch, Governors React

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, received the news with relief. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma informed the monarch by telephone at about 5pm. The Olubadan’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, confirmed the call.

Days earlier, parents of the abducted corps members had visited the Olubadan at his Bodija residence to seek his intervention.

The Oyo State Government also expressed relief. Commissioner for Information Prince Dotun Oyelade said: “Oyo State Government is relieved at the release of our children from the bondage of abduction.”

He congratulated the Federal Government and the Imo and Oyo state governments. However, he called for stronger measures to prevent similar incidents.

“The Federal Government, which has the preponderance of power and capacity to effectively nip this embarrassing development in the bud, must be more proactive,” he said.

Asked to confirm reports that ransom was paid, Oyelade replied: “Ask Imo government.”

Uzodimma commended the security agencies for what he called their “quick and coordinated intervention.” He praised the collaboration between Imo and Oyo states.

He said sensitive information was deliberately withheld because the matter involved human lives.

The governor also commended the security personnel for their “patriotism and professionalism” and thanked the parents for their patience.