Imo CP says no ransom paid for release of abducted corps members

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, has said he is not aware of any ransom paid for the release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members and a civilian abducted in the state.

The victims were abducted on October 1 while travelling along the Owerri-Onitsha Road and were later rescued from a forest in Owerri West Local Government Area.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Thursday, Bosso said security agencies mounted sustained pressure on the abductors, leading to the release of the victims.

He said the operation involved the police, Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Bosso said security operatives combed the area based on intelligence and continued the search until the victims were rescued.

Asked whether ransom was paid for their release, the commissioner said he was unaware of any such payment.

“To my knowledge, no. I am not aware whether a ransom was paid, but we did what we were supposed to do as professionals, and that’s how we got them,” he said.

The commissioner added that security operatives were still searching the area in an effort to arrest those responsible for the abduction.

He said the rescued victims were receiving medical attention and would be handed over to the NYSC Director-General for further care.