The Oyo State Government says it is working with the Imo State Government and security agencies to secure the release of corps members from Oyo State who were abducted in Imo State.
The state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the government was maintaining direct communication with its Imo counterpart while engaging security authorities in both states.
Oyelade said the state was also drawing from its experience during the kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He said the government was making available relevant strategies and experiences from the incident, adding that the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Oriire abduction, submitted last week by the panel headed by Justice (Professor) Mojeed Owoade, was also being considered in the ongoing discussions.
The commissioner explained that authorities could not publicly disclose every step being taken in sensitive kidnapping cases, particularly where such information might jeopardise security operations.
He said, “Governments do not ordinarily disclose all the measures being taken in delicate security situations, particularly where such disclosures could compromise ongoing operations.”
Oyelade said attention should also be directed towards the Federal Government and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces regarding the country’s security responsibilities.
According to him, particular attention should be paid to the measures taken within the first 72 hours following the abduction.
He recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had recently appealed to President Bola Tinubu to expedite action towards rescuing 40 Borno students who were abducted on May 15.
The commissioner noted that the abduction occurred on the same day students and teachers of Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire LGA were kidnapped.
Oyelade assured that the Oyo State Government would continue to collaborate with the Imo State Government, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders until the abducted corps members are safely reunited with their families.
The commissioner said the government remained concerned about the welfare and safe return of the affected corps members.
