On Friday, July 18, 2024, five National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were kidnapped in Ondo State, Nigeria. After a tense and harrowing period, the corps members have been released and are now back with their families. The release came after a ransom payment of N5 million was made by their families.
According to a family member of one of the victims, the ransom was divided equally among the captives. Each person’s release cost N1 million, which totals N5 million. The family member explained that this amount was the price for the safe return of the kidnapped corps members.
The situation began last Friday when the corps members were abducted from their location in Ondo State. The news of their kidnapping quickly spread, causing a wave of concern among their families and the wider community. Efforts to secure their release were immediately launched, involving both the local police and the families of the victims.
SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, the Police Public Relations Officer for Ondo State, confirmed the release of the corps members. In a statement issued on July 22, she detailed the efforts made by the police to ensure the safe return of the victims. “The Command this day on the 22nd of July has found victims of Ose/Ifon area kidnap which occurred on 18th July, 2024,” Odunlami-Omisanya said.
According to her statement, the police faced significant challenges in their efforts to secure the release of the kidnapped corps members. The kidnappers had taken the victims to a remote area, making the rescue operation more complex. However, the police were determined to bring the situation to a positive resolution.
Odunlami-Omisanya further explained the series of actions taken by the police to address the kidnapping. She noted that the kidnappers were forced to abandon their victims after the police intensified their efforts. “The Victims were abandoned by their assailants after the police mounted pressure on the kidnappers,” she said. The police, led by the Tactical Squad and the Area Commander of Owo, ACP Olufemi Awoyale, conducted a thorough search of the bush where the victims were believed to be held.
The Tactical Squad’s operation was critical in bringing about the release of the corps members. The police used sustained technical support and maintained continuous pressure on the kidnappers. This relentless approach eventually led the assailants to leave the victims at a location known as Oyinbo/Sanusi Camp. The strategic approach by the police was instrumental in forcing the kidnappers to abandon their captives.
Once the victims were found, they were immediately taken to the Police Medical Services in Owo for evaluation and care. The police prioritized the health and well-being of the corps members, ensuring they received the necessary medical attention following their ordeal. The police medical team worked diligently to provide care and support to the victims, addressing any immediate health concerns they may have had.
SP Odunlami-Omisanya assured the public that the victims were being well looked after. “Policemen drawn from the Tactical Squad led by the Area Commander of Owo, ACP Olufemi Awoyale’s continuous combing of the bush with sustained technical support frustrated the assailants and were forced to abandon the victims at Oyinbo/Sanusi Camp,” she said. This thorough and well-coordinated effort by the police was key in resolving the situation.
As of now, the corps members are in the process of being debriefed by the police. This debriefing is part of the standard procedure to understand the full extent of the kidnapping and ensure that all aspects of the incident are addressed. After this process, the corps members will be handed over to their families. This final step will mark the end of a distressing chapter for the families involved, who have been anxiously waiting for the safe return of their loved ones.
The release of the corps members is a relief to their families and the community. It underscores the effectiveness of the police’s efforts in tackling such incidents and highlights the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation in addressing crime. The kidnapping and subsequent release have brought attention to the challenges faced by the NYSC members and the importance of ensuring their safety during their service.
In conclusion, while the release of the corps members is a positive development, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced in the region. The coordinated efforts of the police, the support from the families, and the resolution of the situation demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of individuals in vulnerable situations. The hope is that such incidents will become less frequent as measures are put in place to prevent and address kidnapping and other forms of crime in the future.
