In a recent development, kidnappers holding 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have reduced their ransom demand from ₦50 million to ₦5 million per victim. This adjustment brings the total ransom demanded by the abductors from ₦1 billion to ₦100 million. The victims were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, while traveling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their respective NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
The 20 prospective corps members were traveling in two commercial buses when gunmen ambushed the vehicles and took them into the surrounding area. Relatives of the victims have expressed concern over their condition, alleging that the abductors had physically assaulted some of the captives, including female victims, to pressure their families into paying the ransom. The families also claim that the kidnappers have forced the victims to make monitored telephone calls pleading with their relatives to raise the demanded money for their release.
Initially, the abductors issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the payment of the ₦1 billion ransom. However, the demand was later reduced after families reportedly informed them that they could not raise such a large amount within the stipulated period. The revised demand of ₦5 million per victim now totals ₦100 million. The development has raised hopes for the safe release of the abducted prospective corps members.
The Oyo State Government has stated that it is working with the Imo State Government and security agencies to secure the safe release of the abducted prospective corps members. Security personnel are reportedly monitoring the situation and working to identify and intercept the gang responsible for the abduction. The governments' collaborative effort aims to ensure the victims' safe return.
According to the source, the kidnappers' actions have caused distress to the families of the victims. The reduction in ransom demand may indicate a shift in the kidnappers' strategy, possibly due to pressure from the authorities or the families' inability to meet the initial demand. The situation remains under close observation by the governments and security agencies involved.
The incident highlights the growing concern over kidnapping and abduction in Nigeria, particularly in the southeastern region. The NYSC has been a target for kidnappers in recent times, with several incidents reported in various parts of the country. The latest development will likely intensify efforts to combat kidnapping and ensure the safety of citizens.
As the situation unfolds, the families of the victims eagerly await the safe release of their loved ones. The collaboration between the Oyo and Imo state governments, along with security agencies, is crucial in resolving the situation. The release of the abducted prospective corps members is expected to bring relief to their families and demonstrate the effectiveness of the governments' efforts to combat kidnapping.
Key points
- Kidnappers reduce ransom demand for 20 NYSC prospective corps members from ₦50m to ₦5m per victim.
- The abducted victims were traveling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
- The Oyo and Imo state governments are working together with security agencies to secure the safe release of the victims.
