Relief as 20 rescued prospective NYSC members rejoin families

Families and relations of the 20 rescued prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members rescued in Owerri, Imo State capital, on Wednesday were relieved on Thursday to reunite with them in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The 20 out of 30 prospective corps members were kidnapped while travelling from Oyo to orientation camps in Abia State with the remaining 10 escaping through the bush.

They were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Umunoha, Imo State.

Their rescue after seven days in captivity was greeted with jubilation by Nigerians on Wednesday.

One of the victims’ parents, Mrs. Faith Felicia Abiala, said: “I cannot recount all the tears and sorrow, but I give thanks to God that I am seeing her alive today. On the day she was taken, I was so devastated I couldn’t even eat, but today my heart is filled with joy.

“I thank God, and I thank the DSS officials—they really tried! The team from Oyo State and the team from Imo State, they really tried and stood by us until our children came out safe and sound.’’

Another mother of one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, said: “It is good news! Good news! Good news!”.

She said the affected families slept peacefully after days of anguish when their rescue was confirmed.

“Ah! Immediately I heard they were released yesterday, I slept soundly,” Akande said.