On October 1, two buses carrying graduates from Ibadan to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom were attacked around Umunoha on the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State, resulting in the abduction of 20 people. The kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million for each captive, totaling ₦1 billion, and gave the families 24 hours to raise the ransom. The families of the abducted graduates have been seeking help and pleading with authorities to bring their children home.
The kidnappers had given the families a 24-hour ultimatum to raise the ₦950 million ransom, which expired on Sunday. After the deadline passed, the kidnappers reduced their demand to ₦5 million per victim, bringing the total ransom to ₦100 million. Despite the reduction, the families remain anxious and fearful for the safety of their loved ones. Relatives have reported that the captives are being beaten, including the female graduates.
The families of the abducted graduates have released the names of seven of the victims: Makinde Mary Oluwapelumi, Akande Kehinde Morufat, Abdul Temiloluwa Sarah, Adeniran Mariam Olulola, Adefioye Ayomide Isaac, Adewale Paul Iyanuoluwa, and Oyede Esther Funmilayo. The parents also disputed earlier reports that 10 passengers had been rescued by security operatives, stating that those who escaped during the attack fled into the bush.
According to Alimot Akande, whose sister Kehinde Marufat Akande is among those abducted, the kidnappers have been using their contact with relatives to determine who can raise money. Akande described the situation as "horrible, scary and overwhelming," adding that the kidnappers are not sparing anybody and are beating all of the victims.
The police have located the suspected hideout of the kidnappers but are exercising caution due to the presence of improvised explosive devices. Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso stated that surveillance drones had tracked the kidnappers into the bush and that the police are preparing bulldozers and armored personnel carriers for the rescue operation.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed additional tactical teams and commissioners to reinforce the rescue effort. The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has assured the families that their children will be brought back unharmed. The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, has also been in contact with his Imo counterpart regarding the operation.
The abduction has left the families desperately trying to raise money and pleading with authorities to bring their children home. With the reduced ransom demand of ₦100 million, the families face a difficult decision amidst the fear that the young graduates are being physically abused while security agencies work to reach the camp.
Key points
- Kidnappers reduce ransom demand for 7 abducted NYSC graduates from ₦950m to ₦100m
- Police locate suspected hideout but exercise caution due to presence of improvised explosive devices
- Families of abducted graduates plead for help and safe return of their loved ones
