Parents of 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted while travelling from Ibadan to their orientation camps have appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, to help secure the safe release of their children.
The distraught parents visited the traditional ruler at his Ibadan residence on Saturday, seeking his intervention and that of other authorities involved in efforts to rescue the victims.
The prospective corps members were reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Thursday after leaving Ibadan on Wednesday for NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
During the visit, the parents appealed to Oba Ladoja to use his position to engage relevant stakeholders and help ensure that the abducted youths return home safely.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbenga, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri, were also at the Olubadan’s residence when the parents arrived.
The parents consequently extended their appeal to the two traditional and security authorities, urging them to intensify efforts toward securing the victims’ release.
According to the parents, the abductors have contacted some families using the telephone lines of the kidnapped prospective corps members.
One of the parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande, appealed directly to the Olubadan, the police commissioner and the Aseyin to intervene before the situation worsens.
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She expressed concern over threats allegedly issued by the abductors and pleaded with the authorities to act quickly.
“They are threatening that anything untoward will happen to our children if we fail to heed their request. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” Akande pleaded.
The abduction has left families anxiously waiting for the safe return of the youths, who were travelling to begin their mandatory national service.