Gunmen have abducted 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Abia State, Nigeria, and given their parents a 24-hour ultimatum to pay a ransom. The parents, who visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, alongside the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, disclosed that the kidnappers are demanding N1 billion for the release of their children. The abduction occurred last Thursday while the corps members were on their way to the orientation camp.
The parents, represented by Alhaja Alimot Akande and Oyebola Michael Akande, appealed to Ladoja and Abimbola for assistance in securing the release of their children. They revealed that the kidnappers have been contacting them using the mobile lines of the kidnapped prospective corps members, threatening to harm the victims if the ransom demand is not met. The parents expressed their inability to raise the demanded amount, seeking the monarch's and police commissioner's intervention.
The Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, assured the parents that their children would be rescued unharmed. He stated that the police are working round the clock to secure their rescue and promised to keep the parents informed of any developments. Ladoja expressed confidence in the police's ability to handle the situation, reassuring the parents that nothing would happen to their children.
Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, reported that he has already contacted his counterpart in Imo State, and efforts are underway to secure the rescue of the kidnapped corps members. Abimbola expressed optimism that the victims would be rescued unhurt, citing ongoing communication with the Imo State police commissioner.
The kidnapping has raised concerns about the security situation in Abia State, where the incident occurred. The state has experienced various security challenges in recent times, including kidnappings and armed robberies. The police have been working to address these issues, but the latest incident has highlighted the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between security agencies.
The National Youth Service Corps has been a target for kidnappers in recent years, with several incidents reported across the country. The corps members are often targeted while traveling to or from their orientation camps, highlighting the need for improved security measures to protect them. Authorities have been working to enhance security arrangements for corps members, but more needs to be done to prevent such incidents.
The parents of the kidnapped corps members are anxiously waiting for the safe release of their children. They have been cooperating with the police and other authorities to ensure the rescue of their children. The incident has caused widespread concern, with many Nigerians calling for improved security measures to protect citizens, particularly vulnerable groups like corps members.
Key points
- The kidnappers are demanding N1 billion ransom from the parents of the 20 kidnapped prospective National Youth Service Corps members.
- The parents have been given a 24-hour ultimatum to pay the ransom, with the kidnappers threatening to harm the victims if the demand is not met.
- The police are working to secure the rescue of the kidnapped corps members, with the Commissioner of Police in Abia State contacting his counterpart in Imo State to coordinate efforts.
