The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has welcomed the rescue of the medical students recently kidnapped in Benue State and the prospective corps members kidnapped in Zamfara in August 2023.
Obi, who described the rescue of both the medical students and corps members as relieving and gladdening, thanked the security agencies who contributed to the rescue operations.
Channels Television reported that the 20 medical students who were abducted in Benue State on their way to Enugu State have been rescued.
According to security sources, the rescue operation was coordinated by the office of the National Security Adviser.
In a related development, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Yusha’u Ahmed, also announced the rescue of all eight prospective corps members who were kidnapped along Funtua-Gusua Road of Zamfara State on August 17, 2023.
In a post on his X handle on Saturday, the former Anambra State governor said that beyond rescuing victims, he is encouraging the government and security agents to be more proactive in preventing these criminal activities from occurring in future and in ensuring that those behind these nefarious acts are brought to book.
According to him, insecurity and those behind insecurity must be stopped for the country to move for award.
The post reads, “The two media reports showing the rescue of the 20 Medical Students who were Kidnapped In Benue State and the release of 8 National Youth Corps Members by their captors are relieving and gladdening.
“The NYSC members were kidnapped in Zamfara, on 17th August, while travelling from Uyo in Akwa State to Sokoto State, I thank the combined team of security agencies – the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS the military personnel, and everyone who contributed to the rescue of our children from captivity.
“I commend them for their gallant efforts and sacrifices. Beyond rescuing kidnap victims, I encourage the government, and our security agents to be more proactive in preventing these criminal activities from occurring in future and in ensuring that those behind these nefarious acts are brought to book.
“Until we fully declare war on insecurity in our nation, such ugly stories will continue to define our national existence.
“Just 2 days ago, it was reported that 13 farmers were killed by bandits at the Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. Another attack by bandits on Moriki Community in Zamfara State was also reported the same day, where about 10 persons were kidnapped.
“Many of these criminal activities go on unreported in different parts of the nation. Insecurity must stop. Those behind insecurity in Nigeria must be stopped. Our nation must move forward.
“The government and our security agents must now take the lead in protecting the lives and properties of our people from these criminal elements. As I have insisted, a New and more secure Nigeria remains POssible.”