Why we withheld information on ∆bducted 20 NYSC members – Uzodimma
Why we withheld information on abducted 20 NYSC members – Uzodimma
Imo state Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has explained that his administration deliberately withheld detailed information about the abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to protect their lives and facilitate their safe release.
The governor spoke after the prospective corps members were rescued on Wednesday following a joint operation by the State Security Service, military personnel and police operatives in the state.
The victims were abducted at about 6:30am on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha Road by Umunoha in Imo State while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo state, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
Uzodimma commends security agencies
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Uzodimma praised the security agencies for what he described as their swift intervention, which led to the safe release of the 20 prospective corps members.
He said he was particularly grateful to the security agencies for the discreet and collaborative manner in which they handled the incident.
The governor also thanked the parents and families of the abducted prospective corps members for their patience and understanding throughout the period of uncertainty.
The victims were reportedly released after spending about one week in captivity.
Why government kept details secret
Uzodimma said the state government deliberately adopted a discreet and coordinated approach and avoided releasing excessive information while efforts to rescue the victims were ongoing.
He explained that the decision was informed by the sensitive nature of the operation and the need to protect the lives of the abducted prospective corps members.
“Because the issue involved the security of lives, the government was cautious about releasing too much information to the public, hence the discreet manner in which it was handled,” the governor said.
He added that releasing excessive information about the incident could have jeopardised the investigation and ongoing efforts to secure the safe return of the victims.
The governor maintained that the decision to limit public information was necessary to ensure that the security operation was not compromised.
Uzodimma promises continued security support
Uzodimma assured residents that his administration would continue to support measures aimed at protecting lives and property and strengthening security across the state.
He also urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue to have faith in the efforts of the Federal Government to address the country’s security challenges.
The rescue of the 20 prospective corps members came amid renewed concerns over the safety of young Nigerians travelling to orientation camps for the NYSC programme.
The incident occurred as the victims were making their way from Oyo State to camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states for the commencement of their national service.
