Abductors of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps, NYSC members travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps have demanded total ransom of N1 billion and given victims’ families 24 hours to raise money.
Victims were travelling to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen attacked two buses conveying them along Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha area of Imo State Thursday.
According to reports, abductors are demanding N50 million for each of 20 prospective corps members, bringing total amount to N1 billion.
Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, had earlier confirmed ransom demand.
Development has heightened anxiety among parents of graduates, who have appealed to authorities and traditional leaders to intervene.
Affected families Saturday visited Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan, where they appealed for assistance.
Parents were accompanied by Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.
Speaking on behalf of families, Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande said kidnappers had been reaching out to them through telephone numbers of abducted graduates and threatened lives of victims if ransom demand was not met within stated period.
“They have been calling us since yesterday with 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 amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” they said.
Responding, Oba Ladoja assured them efforts were ongoing to secure victims’ release without harm and promised relevant information gathered during operation would be communicated to families.
Police Commissioner Abimbola disclosed he had been communicating with Commissioner of Police in Imo State since abduction occurred and was assured efforts were being made to locate and rescue victims safely.
Families now await further developments as security agencies continue efforts to secure release of 20 prospective corps members.
