Kidnappers Reduce Ransom for 20 Prospective Corps Members to ₦100 Million
By Fact Harbour News
The families of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State are facing renewed anxiety after their captors reportedly reduced the ransom demand from ₦50 million to ₦5 million per victim.
The reduction brings the total ransom being demanded for the 20 young graduates down from an initial ₦1 billion to ₦100 million, according to information provided by relatives of the victims.
The victims were reportedly travelling from Ibadan to their respective NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen attacked the two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road around Umunoha in Imo State on Thursday.
The incident has generated widespread concern, particularly among the victims’ families, who say they have been struggling to secure the release of their loved ones.
One of the affected relatives, Alimot Akande, said the kidnappers had contacted families and revised their demand downward. She reportedly confirmed that the new demand was ₦5 million for each of the 20 abducted prospective corps members.
Although the reduction represents a substantial decrease from the original demand, it has not brought relief to the families because the victims remain in captivity.
Akande further alleged that the abductors had subjected the captives to physical assault. According to her account, the victims, including female corps members, were allegedly being beaten while the families attempted to negotiate their release.
She appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the young graduates, saying the families were deeply worried about their safety.
The circumstances have also reportedly complicated communication between the abductors and the families. Akande said one of the captives had been allowed to speak with his father, but alleged that the kidnappers were monitoring the communication as part of their efforts to determine whether the family could raise the demanded ransom.
The families have reportedly been relying on assurances from security authorities that efforts are continuing to secure the victims’ release.
The 20 prospective corps members were travelling for the mandatory national service programme when they were intercepted. Their abduction has renewed concerns about the security risks faced by young Nigerians travelling to distant parts of the country for NYSC orientation and deployment.
The incident has also prompted calls for a stronger review of security arrangements surrounding the NYSC programme.
The African Democratic Congress has called for a temporary suspension of the NYSC scheme to allow the Federal Government to review its security arrangements and reorganise the programme. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, nevertheless acknowledged that the scheme remains relevant to national integration.
Other political groups and public figures have also demanded urgent action to secure the victims’ release, with several arguing that protecting the lives of young Nigerians travelling for national service should remain a priority.
The management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, has also expressed concern because some of the abducted graduates are reportedly former students of the institution. The university called for coordinated action by security agencies to secure the safe return of the victims.
Meanwhile, security agencies in Imo State say operations are continuing.
The Imo State Police Command said its personnel were working to locate and rescue the abducted prospective corps members. Police spokesperson Henry Okoye said security operatives were conducting operations and gradually closing in on the victims.
The 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, also confirmed that security agencies were collaborating in the rescue effort.
Earlier, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, said security personnel had identified the suspected location where the victims were being held. However, concerns about possible improvised explosive devices reportedly affected the timing of an assault on the suspected hideout.
The development has left the affected families appealing for urgent intervention while security agencies work to secure the victims without putting their lives at further risk.
For the families, the reduction in the ransom has not ended the crisis. The 20 graduates remain in captivity, and relatives continue to call for their immediate and safe rescue.
The incident also adds to continuing concerns about kidnapping along major Nigerian highways and the vulnerability of travellers, particularly young people moving between states for education, employment and national service.
As security agencies continue their operation, families of the abducted graduates are waiting for concrete assurances that their loved ones will return home safely.
