Families of the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State, Nigeria, have disclosed that they paid substantial ransoms to secure their release. The abduction occurred on October 1, 2026, while the victims were traveling from Ibadan to Bende in Abia State and Uyo in Akwa Ibom State. According to reports, some families paid as much as N3 million, while one family revealed they raised N6 million for the release of their son.
The abduction took place at Ogbaku in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, while the victims were traveling in two buses. The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the victims were rescued on October 7, 2026, at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State following sustained search-and-rescue operations involving other security agencies. The rescued victims were taken for medical assessment and necessary care.
One of the mothers of the abducted corps members revealed that she paid N3 million in ransom after scrambling to raise the money while fearing for the safety of her child. She expressed relief that her child was safe but highlighted the financial burden of raising the ransom. The ordeal of the families was marked by anxiety and desperation as they worked to secure the release of their loved ones.
The father of another abducted corps member disclosed that his family paid N6 million for the release of his son. According to him, relatives had to gather in Ibadan, Oyo State, to raise the money, while some of the funds were converted to dollars and sent to Imo State for delivery. He expressed excitement that his son was coming back home but worried about repaying the borrowed funds.
The Nigeria Police Force, through its Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, confirmed the rescue of the victims and stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction. The police appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and support during the rescue operation. The incident highlights the security challenges faced by travelers in Nigeria.
The rescue operation was a collaborative effort involving multiple security agencies. The police assured the public that coordinated operations would continue until all those culpable were brought to justice. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of NYSC members and travelers in the country.
The abduction and subsequent rescue of the NYSC members have brought attention to the issue of kidnapping in Nigeria. The incident has also highlighted the financial burden on families who are forced to pay ransoms to secure the release of their loved ones. Key efforts are being made to address the issue and ensure the safety of citizens.
Key points
- Families of abducted NYSC members paid millions in ransom for their release.
- The 20 prospective corps members were rescued on October 7, 2026, after being abducted on October 1, 2026.
- The Nigeria Police Force is working to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
