Oyo NYSC Corps Members Kidnapped: Abductors Demand ₦1 Billion Ransom for 20 Graduates
The abductors of 20 young Nigerian graduates traveling for their mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation course have demanded a ₦50 million ransom for each victim, totaling ₦1 billion, to be paid within 24 hours.
The corps members were ambushed along the boundary of Anambra and Imo states while traveling in two commercial buses operated by Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited. They were en route to their designated orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
Desperate Parents Appeal to Olubadan of Ibadan
The ransom demand was disclosed by distraught parents who visited the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his Bodija residence to plead for intervention.
According to a report by Punch News, two of the parents, Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande, revealed that the kidnappers have been using the victims’ mobile phones to contact their families.
“They have been calling us since Friday with a demand for ₦50m ransom each. They are threatening that something untoward will happen to our children if we fail to meet their demands,” the parents lamented.
“There is no way we can raise such an amount during this difficult period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children.”
The parents appealed to both the monarch and the Oyo State Police Commissioner to intervene and secure the immediate release of their children.
Responding to their pleas, Oba Ladoja assured the families that security agencies are fully engaged.
“I want to assure you that your children will be rescued unharmed,” the monarch said. “We will share any information we gather with you. The police are working round the clock to secure their rescue. Do not despair; the police are up to the task.”
Police Launch High-Level Rescue Operation in Imo State
This development follows an earlier report by KlickNews confirming that the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has activated a high-level response team to rescue the 20 NYSC members.
In line with the IGP’s directive, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Nadada, has arrived in Imo State to personally coordinate the rescue operations.
Upon his arrival, DIG Nadada led a joint security team to assess the ambush site and review the operational terrain. The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, also provided a comprehensive tactical briefing on current deployments.
Speaking during the operational assessment, DIG Nadada emphasized that multiple security agencies are collaborating seamlessly.
“Security agencies are working in synergy,” Nadada stated. “Our primary focus is to ensure the victims are rescued safely and without any harm.”
The Nigeria Police Force has since expanded its search grid across neighboring communities along the Onitsha-Owerri axis, deploying specialized tactical units to track down the abductors.
