The Oyo State Government has expressed relief at the release of the 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were kidnapped while en route to orientation camps in Imo State. Despite the positive outcome, the state is urging the Federal Government to escalate its response to the ongoing issues of kidnapping and banditry nationwide. The abductions have highlighted vulnerabilities within the country’s transportation network and raised concerns for the safety of youth participants in the NYSC program. Officials in Oyo State emphasize the need for more proactive and robust security measures to prevent future incidents. The government believes intensified efforts are crucial to safeguard citizens and maintain peace. This incident underscores the necessity of a concerted national strategy to combat these criminal activities and ensure the secure participation of individuals in national service programs like the NYSC. The release of the PCMs is a welcome development, but a sustainable solution to insecurity is demanded.