In a shocking incident, 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members were abducted while traveling from Oyo State to their orientation camps. The kidnapping occurred on Thursday along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State. The victims were in two buses when gunmen attacked and took them away. The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, confirmed the incident.
The kidnappers have reportedly demanded N1bn for the release of the abducted corps members. According to the parents of the victims, the abductors are demanding N50m for each of the 20 victims. The parents, accompanied by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri, met with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to seek his intervention. The parents disclosed that the kidnappers have been contacting them through the mobile phones of some of the abducted prospective corps members.
The parents appealed to the Olubadan and the police to intervene urgently and secure the release of their children. They expressed concern that they cannot raise such a large amount of money. The Olubadan assured them that efforts were being made to secure the victims' safe release. He also assured the anxious parents that their children would be rescued unharmed.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, reported that security operatives had located the suspected camp where the remaining victims were being held through the use of drones. However, the rescue operation has been delayed due to the presence of improvised explosive devices in the location. As a result, security operatives are exercising caution as they plan the next phase of the operation.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate the search-and-rescue operation. The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, stated that he had been in contact with his Imo counterpart over the incident and was assured that the victims would be rescued unharmed.
The police have not disclosed whether any ransom has been paid, while details of the ongoing rescue operation remain undisclosed. Security agencies are continuing efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted prospective corps members. The development has prompted security operatives to intensify efforts to locate and rescue the victims.
The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the country, particularly in Imo State. The authorities have assured the public that they are working round the clock to secure the rescue of the abducted corps members. Key efforts include coordinating with various security agencies and engaging with the kidnappers to secure the release of the victims.
Key points
- Kidnappers demand N1bn ransom for 20 abducted Oyo corps members.
- Security operatives locate suspected abductors' camp using drones.
- Police deploy DIG to coordinate rescue operation in Imo State.
