In a shocking incident, 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members were abducted while traveling from Oyo State to their orientation camps. The abduction occurred along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State. According to reports, the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N1 billion for their release. The victims were on their way to commence their mandatory national service programme.
The parents of the abducted prospective corps members have disclosed the ransom demand. They visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, alongside the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland. The families appealed to the Olubadan and security agencies to intervene and secure the immediate release of their children. The kidnappers have been contacting the families through the victims' phones.
The kidnappers are demanding N50 million for each of the 20 victims and have given the families 24 hours to raise the money. The abductors have threatened the abducted prospective corps members if the ransom is not paid within the stated period. Relatives are calling for urgent action to prevent harm to the victims. The abduction has raised concern among families whose children were traveling to commence their national service.
Security agencies are intensifying efforts to locate and rescue the abducted prospective corps members. The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, stated that security operatives had located the suspected kidnappers' camp with the aid of drones. However, the planned operation was delayed after intelligence indicated that improvised explosive devices had been planted around the suspected camp.
The police commissioner said security agencies are exercising caution to avoid putting the lives of the victims and operatives at further risk. Efforts continue to secure the safe release of the victims. Authorities have urged members of the public to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in locating the victims and apprehending those responsible for the abduction.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of travelers along major highways in parts of the South-East. Criminal groups have carried out attacks and abductions in the region. The incident has sparked calls for improved security measures to protect travelers and prevent such incidents in the future.
As of the time of the families' appeal, the whereabouts and condition of all 20 prospective corps members had not been publicly disclosed. The incident has raised concerns about the security of National Youth Service Corps members during their orientation camps. Key security agencies are working to ensure their safe release.
Key points
- Kidnappers demand N1 billion ransom for 20 prospective corps members.
- The abduction occurred along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State.
- Security agencies are working to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
