Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State, has commended President Bola Tinubu, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and security agencies over the rescue of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State.
The prospective corps members, who were travelling from Oyo State to their NYSC orientation camps, regained their freedom on Wednesday, seven days after they were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State. The police confirmed that the victims were rescued at Amakohia Ubi Village following sustained search-and-rescue operations.
Alli, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Media and Publicity of his campaign organisation, Bisi Oladele, described the development as a welcome relief to the victims, their families and the people of Oyo State.
He said the successful rescue demonstrated the commitment of the Federal Government and security agencies to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
The APC candidate commended Tinubu and Uzodimma for their leadership, while praising the security agencies for what he described as their courage, professionalism and coordinated efforts in securing the release of the victims.
Alli said the development was particularly reassuring because the victims were young Nigerians on their way to commence the mandatory national service when they were abducted.
He, however, urged security agencies not to relent, calling for stronger intelligence gathering and closer inter-agency collaboration to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The senator also called for the perpetrators of the abduction to be identified and brought to justice, saying the successful rescue should be followed by efforts to ensure that those responsible face the law.
He appealed to members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and useful information that could assist in preventing crime and protecting lives.
According to him, the safety of citizens cannot be left to security agencies alone, stressing that government and the public must work together to create a safer society.
Alli expressed sympathy with the victims and their families over the ordeal, praying for the speedy recovery of the rescued prospective corps members and emotional healing for their relatives following the traumatic experience.
