‘I Rolled on the Floor in Gratitude’ — Mother Rejoices as Kidnapped Corps Member Regains Freedom
By Adewale Owoade
The mother of one of the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members rescued after seven days in captivity, Madam Grace Oladosu, has expressed gratitude to God for the release of her child.
The 20 graduates, who were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their NYSC orientation camps, were abducted when gunmen attacked two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
The incident occurred on Oct. 1, as the buses headed towards orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
Oladosu said she was overwhelmed with joy when she received the news of her child’s release, adding that she rolled on the floor in thanksgiving to God.
She refused to say anything further than to give glory to God.
“I give all glory to God for the wonderful thing He has done for my family,” she said.
She also appreciated individuals who stood by the family during the ordeal through prayers, phone calls and other forms of support.
Oladosu prayed for divine intervention in the country and an end to insecurity.
The release of the 20 prospective corps members has brought relief to their families, who had endured days of anxiety while seeking information about their whereabouts and safety.
The rescued victims have since been taken to the Department of State Services Hospital in Owerri, where they are receiving medical attention.
The abduction had triggered a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the police, military, Department of State Services and other security agencies.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had earlier deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate efforts to locate and rescue the victims.
The deployment followed growing concerns over the safety of the abducted graduates and pressure from their families and community leaders for urgent intervention.
After seven days of sustained security operations, the release of the 20 prospective corps members represents a major breakthrough in efforts to secure their safe return.
The victims are currently undergoing medical assessment in Owerri, while security agencies are expected to continue investigations into the abduction and efforts to apprehend those responsible.
Further details on the circumstances surrounding their release, their condition and possible arrests are expected from the authorities.
