Osun transport union urges stronger highway security after NYSC abduction
Osun’s road transport union has called for intensified security on major highways and the safe release of prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling to orientation camps in Imo State, where police say a suspected hideout has been located but may contain improvised explosive devices.
The Osun State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers has urged the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen protection on major highways after prospective National Youth Service Corps members were abducted while travelling to their orientation camps. The union also called for urgent efforts to secure the safe and unconditional release of the youths, some of whom were reportedly graduates of institutions in Osun State. The appeal was made in a statement issued on Saturday by the union’s acting chairman, Kazeem Oyewale, popularly known as Asiri Eniba.
Oyewale said the abduction had increased anxiety among the victims’ families, friends and the wider community. He urged the NYSC, state governments and security agencies to take immediate measures to address threats facing travellers nationwide. He specifically called on security personnel in the area where the abduction occurred to intensify operations to locate the victims and bring them back safely.
Oyewale said the incident should prompt authorities to treat highway security as a priority, particularly for young Nigerians travelling for national service, education or employment. According to The PUNCH, security agencies have delayed an immediate advance on the suspected hideout in Imo State after intelligence indicated that the camp had been mined with improvised explosive devices. Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso reportedly said operatives had located the site but could not immediately enter because of the threat.
Oyewale appealed to relatives of the abducted youths to remain calm and said he believed security agencies were working to secure their return. He also urged students, young people and corps members to remain alert, avoid suspicious or unnecessarily risky journeys and report security breaches promptly. The union leader further asked drivers and transport operators to maintain communication, remain vigilant on isolated or vulnerable routes and report unusual activity.
He said stronger security presence was needed to protect passengers, drivers and other transport workers.
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