Kidnappers give 24-hour ultimatum for abducted NYSC members, others
Parents of Abducted NYSC Members Report Ransom Demand
IBADAN, Nigeria — The parents of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were abducted while traveling from Oyo State to their orientation camps, reported that their kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N1 billion. They were given 24 hours to meet the demand.
The distressed parents voiced their concerns during a visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his residence on Saturday. They were accompanied by state Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Abimbola and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.
The graduates were en route to their respective NYSC orientation camps on Thursday when gunmen attacked the two buses traveling along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State. The kidnappers have reportedly asked for N50 million for each of the victims, totaling N1 billion.
Isiah Akpan, the Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, confirmed the ransom demand on Friday. Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande, representatives of the affected families, stated that the kidnappers have been reaching out to them through the mobile phones of the abducted youths.
“They have been calling us since yesterday (Friday) with a demand for N50 million ransom each. They are threatening us that anything untoward will happen to our children if we fail to heed their request,” they said. “There is no way we can raise such an amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children.”
The parents appealed to Oba Ladoja and Commissioner Abimbola for assistance in ensuring the safe return of their children. In response, Ladoja assured the families that efforts were being made to rescue the hostages unharmed.
“I want to assure you that your children will be rescued unharmed. We will keep you updated regarding any information we gather. The Police are working tirelessly to secure their release. Don’t worry, the police are on top of the situation, and nothing will happen to your children,” he said.
Commissioner Abimbola indicated that he has been in communication with his counterpart in Imo State regarding the incident. “I had already contacted the Imo State CP. We have been in discussions since the day of the incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt,” he noted. However, he did not provide details about any potential ransom payments or specifics regarding ongoing rescue efforts.
In the meantime, security agencies have intensified their operations to locate and rescue the abducted NYSC members. Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso announced on Saturday that operatives have employed drones to pinpoint the suspected location where the victims are being held. He added that operations have faced delays due to intelligence reports suggesting the presence of improvised explosive devices around the area.
Additionally, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has dispatched Deputy Inspector-General of Police Shehu Nadada to Imo State to oversee the search-and-rescue operation.
