The Osun State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen security on major highways following the abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps members travelling to their orientation camps.
The union also urged security operatives to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted youths, some of whom were reportedly graduates of institutions in Osun State.
The Acting Chairman of the union in Osun State, Kazeem Oyewale, popularly known as Asiri Eniba, expressed concern over the incident, saying it had increased anxiety among the victims’ families and the wider community.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Oyewale called for urgent action by the Federal Government, NYSC, state governments and security agencies to address the growing security threats faced by travellers.
He said, “This incident should serve as a wake-up call to all relevant authorities that the security of our highways can no longer be treated with levity.
“Travellers, particularly young Nigerians embarking on journeys for national service, education or employment, should be able to move from one part of the country to another without fear of being kidnapped.”
Oyewale specifically appealed to security agencies operating in the area of the abduction to intensify their search for the victims and secure their safe and unconditional release.
He also advised prospective corps members, students and other travellers to remain vigilant, avoid suspicious or high-risk journeys and promptly report unusual movements to security authorities.
The NURTW chairman urged transport operators and drivers to strengthen communication and exercise caution, particularly when passing through isolated or vulnerable routes.
“Drivers must remain extremely vigilant, especially when travelling through isolated areas. Any suspicious movement or unusual activity should be reported immediately to the appropriate security authorities,” he said.
Oyewale also appealed to the families of the abducted youths to remain hopeful, assuring them that efforts were being made to secure the victims’ release.
“We appeal to the families of the affected prospective corps members not to lose hope. We believe that the security agencies are doing everything possible to rescue them and reunite them with their loved ones,” he stated.
He further called on the government to increase the presence of security personnel on vulnerable highways and improve protection for passengers and transport workers.
According to reports, security agencies have delayed an immediate assault on the suspected hideout of the kidnappers in Imo State after intelligence indicated that the location had been fitted with improvised explosive devices.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, reportedly said on Saturday that operatives had identified the suspected camp where the victims were being held but could not immediately move in because of the reported IED threat.
