The Imo State Police Command has denied reports that ransom was paid for the release of 20 prospective NYSC members and one other person who were abducted in the state.
Speaking exclusively to Mediaplusng.com, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Bosso, says the command has no information confirming that any ransom was paid to secure the victims’ freedom.
According to the police commissioner, the abductors released the victims after coming under intense pressure from security agencies, which had launched a coordinated operation to locate their hideout and rescue the captives.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the victims are now safe and receiving attention at the office of the Department of State Services, DSS, following their release.
The prospective corps members and the other victim were abducted on October 1, while travelling along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State.
The group was reportedly travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when they were intercepted by suspected kidnappers.
The incident immediately triggered concern among the victims’ families and authorities, particularly following reports that the abductors were demanding as much as 50 million naira for each victim.
Security agencies subsequently launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, with operatives deploying different resources to locate the victims and their abductors.
The Imo State Police Command had earlier disclosed that its operatives located the kidnappers’ camp through drone surveillance.
However, the police said the security team could not immediately enter the area because the camp was reportedly surrounded by improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.
Additional operational assets were subsequently deployed as security agencies intensified efforts to reach the victims and neutralise the threat.
The operation eventually yielded results on Wednesday, when the remaining victims were released from the Amakohia-Ubi forest in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The development followed a coordinated effort involving security agencies operating in the area.
Police had earlier confirmed the rescue of 10 victims following the initial attack, while efforts continued to locate the others.
The latest development means the 20 prospective corps members and the other abducted person have now regained their freedom.
The victims are currently receiving medical attention in Owerri as authorities continue to assess their condition following their ordeal.
Meanwhile, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has commended the security agencies for what he described as their quick intervention.
In a statement personally signed by the governor, Uzodimma expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts of the Oyo and Imo State governments, which he said contributed to the swift release of the captives.
The governor also praised the security personnel involved in the operation for their commitment to securing the victims and bringing the abduction ordeal to an end.
For the police, however, the focus remains on establishing the circumstances surrounding the abduction and pursuing those responsible.
The command’s denial of any confirmed ransom payment also puts the spotlight on the continuing investigation into the kidnapping, as the rescued victims begin the process of recovery from their traumatic experience.
Mediaplusng.com will continue to follow developments as security agencies intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators.
