Families Fear for Abducted Corps Members as Kidnappers Allegedly Beat Captives.
Families Fear for Abducted Corps Members as Kidnappers Allegedly Beat Captives.
Kidnappers holding 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State have reduced their ransom demand from N50m to N5m per victim, lowering the total from N1bn to N100m. However, families say the young graduates are being beaten and have appealed for urgent government action.
The victims were travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom on Thursday when gunmen attacked two buses near Umunoha, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road. Their parents disputed reports that security operatives rescued 10 passengers, saying those who escaped ran into the bush.
Alhaja Alimot Akande, whose daughter spoke on her behalf in Ibadan, said the abductors had been assaulting the captives since Friday. She said the lower ransom had not eased the families’ distress, adding that the kidnappers were beating everyone, including the women.
Akande said one captive had been allowed to speak with his father by phone. She alleged the kidnappers monitored the calls because they believed the father could pay the ransom. Families were still trying to raise money, while police had urged them to be patient, she said.
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, assured parents that efforts were underway to secure the victims’ safe return. Oyo State Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Abimbola said he had contacted his Imo counterpart, who promised the captives would be rescued unharmed.
Imo police spokesperson Henry Okoye said security teams were conducting an operation and closing in on the victims. The state police commissioner, Audu Bosso, said drones had identified the suspected camp, but intelligence indicated it was surrounded by improvised explosive devices. Security personnel were preparing to enter with heavy equipment, including bulldozers and armoured vehicles.
The abduction prompted calls from political parties and public figures for the victims’ immediate release. The African Democratic Congress urged the Federal Government to suspend the NYSC for a year to review the scheme and improve corps members’ safety, while maintaining that it remains important for national unity. Activist Omoyele Sowore called for the scheme to be scrapped and suggested allowing corps members to serve in their home states.
The National Democratic Congress, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party and Young Progressives Party also condemned the kidnapping and criticised the government’s response to insecurity. Several groups called for reforms to the country’s security system and preventive measures against abductions.
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology said at least three of its graduates were among those reportedly kidnapped. The university expressed solidarity with their families and called for coordinated rescue efforts. Nigerian Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi also urged the government to rescue the victims and arrest those responsible.
