Kidnappers demand N1bn ransom for 20 prospective corps members
Kidnappers have demanded N1 billion for the release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their orientation camps in Imo State.
The abductors reportedly demanded N50 million for each victim and gave the families a 24-hour ultimatum to pay the ransom.
The prospective corps members were abducted on Thursday when gunmen attacked two buses conveying them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State.
The development has heightened concerns among the victims’ families, who said the kidnappers had been contacting them through the mobile phones of some of the abducted youths.
Speaking on behalf of the affected families, Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande said the abductors had been calling since Friday to demand the ransom.
“They have been calling us since yesterday (Friday) with a demand for N50m ransom each. They are threatening that anything untoward will happen to our children if we fail to heed to their request.
“There is no way we can raise such an amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” they said.
The parents made the appeal on Saturday when they visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan.
The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri, were also present during the meeting.
The families appealed to Ladoja and security authorities to intervene and ensure the safe release of the abducted prospective corps members.
Responding, Ladoja assured the families that efforts were 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. Don’t worry yourself, police are up to the task, and nothing would happen to your children,” he said.
The Oyo State police commissioner also said he had been in contact with his Imo State counterpart since the abduction occurred.
“I had already contacted Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt,” Abimbola said.
The police commissioner, however, did not disclose whether any ransom had been paid or provide details of the ongoing rescue operation.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of prospective corps members travelling to their orientation camps, as security agencies continue efforts to locate and rescue those abducted.
