The Oyo government has expressed relief over the release of corps members from the state who were kidnapped in Imo, describing their freedom as a welcome development.

Information commissioner Dotun Oyelade stated this in a statement on Wednesday, shortly after the report of the release of the 20 prospective corps members.

Mr Oyelade congratulated the Imo and Oyo governments as well as the federal government on the successful release of the corps members after being held in captivity.

He, however, urged the federal government to intensify efforts to tackle the persistent challenge of kidnapping and banditry across the country.

According to him, the federal government, which has the greatest power and capacity to address the insecurity crisis effectively, must be more proactive and deliver on its promise to make Nigerians safer.

The commissioner said the release of the corps members was a development worthy of commendation, while stressing that more needed to be done to prevent similar incidents.

Mr Oyelade urged relevant security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and coordinated operations to rescue those still in captivity and prevent further abductions.

He reiterated the Oyo government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of its citizens, particularly youths serving the nation under the National Youth Service Corps.

Gunmen on October 1 abducted the 20 prospective corps members, travelling from Ibadan, on the Onitsha-Owerri expressway in Imo.

(NAN)