Why we withheld information on abducted NYSC members

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has praised security agencies for their “swift intervention” that led to the “safe release” of the 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) abducted along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in the state.

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In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Uzodimma said he was “particularly grateful to the security agencies for the discreet and collaborative manner in which they tackled the challenge”.

The governor thanked the parents and families of the prospective NYSC members for their patience and understanding throughout the difficult period.

PREMIUM TIMES previously reported that the abducted prospective NYSC members were released on Wednesday following a joint operation conducted by the State Security Service, military personnel and police operatives in Imo State, Nigeria’s South-east.

The prospective NYSC members were abducted at about 6:30 a.m. on 1 October along the Owerri-Onitsha Road by Umunoha in Imo State.

They were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom States when the attack occurred.

Withholding information

In the Wednesday statement, Mr Uzodimma said the state government “deliberately adopted a discreet and coordinated approach to avoid releasing too much information” to Nigerians.

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READ ALSO: UPDATED: Abducted NYSC members freed after one week

The governor explained that “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.”

He stressed that releasing excessive information about the abducted NYSC members could have jeopardised the investigation, arguing that the approach was necessary to ensure the safe return of the victims.

Mr Uzodimma assured that his administration would continue to support measures to protect citizens’ lives and property and ensure the country’s security.

The governor urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue to have faith in the federal government’s efforts to address security challenges in the country.