Parents of 20 graduates abducted while travelling from Ibadan to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Imo State have appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to intervene and help secure their release.

The parents, numbering about 20, visited the Olubadan at his Bodija, Ibadan residence, on Saturday , urging the monarch to use his influence and personal contacts to assist efforts to free their children from captivity.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Alhaja Halima Akande and Mr Oyebola Michael Akande said the families were deeply concerned about the condition of the abducted graduates, who had reportedly spent about two days in captivity.

They appealed to Oba Ladoja to use his good offices to facilitate efforts towards securing the safe release of the victims.

Olubadan, who received the delegation, was accompanied by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III.

The monarch assured the parents that efforts were being made by the government to address the situation and secure the victims’ release.

“Fortunately, the Oyo CP is here. He would brief you,” Oba Ladoja told the parents.

The Commissioner of Police also assured the parents and the public that the government was on top of the situation and was working towards resolving the matter.

The meeting came amid growing concern over the safety of the abducted prospective corps members and calls for their safe return to their families.