Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camps have been held captive by kidnappers demanding a staggering N1 billion ransom for their release. The victims, all recent graduates, were seized on Thursday along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, when gunmen attacked two buses carrying them. The abductors are reportedly demanding N50 million per person, totaling N1 billion, and have been contacting the families through the mobile phones of the kidnapped corps members.
Parents of the victims visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan, on Saturday to appeal for urgent intervention. They were accompanied by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri. Speaking on behalf of the families, Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande expressed deep distress, stating they could not raise such a huge sum at this time. “They have been calling us since yesterday with a demand for N50m each. They are threatening that anything untoward will happen to our children if we fail to heed to their request,” they said.
The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, confirmed the ransom demand on Friday. He emphasized the gravity of the situation and urged authorities to act swiftly. The parents pleaded with Ladoja and the police commissioner to ensure the safe return of their children, warning that failure to act could lead to tragedy. “Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” they implored.
In response, Oba Rashidi Ladoja assured the families that every effort was being made to rescue the victims unharmed. “I want to assure that your children would be rescued unharmed. We will relate whatever information we gather to you. The Police are working round the clock to secure their rescue,” he said. He added that nothing would happen to the students, emphasizing the commitment of security forces.
Olugbenga Abimbola, the Oyo State Police Commissioner, revealed he had been in constant communication with his Imo State counterpart since the incident occurred. He noted that the Imo State CP had assured him the victims would be rescued unhurt. However, he did not disclose whether any ransom had been paid or provide details on the ongoing rescue operations.
Security agencies have intensified efforts to locate and free the abducted youths. The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, disclosed on Saturday that drones had been deployed to identify the suspected camp where the victims were being held. He also mentioned that the operation had been delayed due to intelligence reports indicating the presence of improvised explosive devices around the camp.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has dispatched the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate the search-and-rescue mission. The situation remains tense as families await news of their children’s safe return, while security forces work tirelessly to ensure a successful outcome. This incident underscores the persistent threat of kidnapping in Nigeria and highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable citizens, especially young graduates traveling to NYSC camps.
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