The mother of a prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, who was abducted on the Owerri-Onitsha expressway, has disclosed that her family paid N6 million to secure his release. In an interview with News Central Television, she revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million for each victim before accepting the reduced amount. Her account comes as the Nigeria Police Force announced the rescue of 20 abducted NYSC members in Imo State.
According to the mother, the kidnappers contacted the victims' parents and directed them to send representatives to a meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State. Her husband and the victim's elder brother attended the meeting, where they were asked to send the money to an account and change it into dollars upon arrival in Imo State. The woman's elder son was among those who took the ransom to the kidnappers and later confirmed his brother's release.
The victims were abducted on October 1 when gunmen attacked two 18-seater buses carrying passengers from Ibadan along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway. A video circulated on social media showed the passengers being robbed and forced into the forest. Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the attack occurred at about 6:30 a.m., with 10 victims rescued immediately.
The kidnappers reportedly gave parents 24 hours to pay N1 billion for their children's release, which was later reduced to N5 million per victim, totaling N100 million. Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to coordinate the rescue efforts. Force spokesperson, Anietie Iniedu, said Nadada assessed the operation and issued directives to strengthen personnel and operational assets.
On Wednesday, the police announced the rescue of the victims, stating that a joint team comprising operatives of the Department of State Services, the military, and police carried out the rescue. The victims were rescued on October 7 at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained search-and-rescue operations. They have since been taken for medical assessment and necessary care.
The mother of the freed NYSC member described the distressing experience of her son's captivity, saying she was unable to sleep and was relieved when she heard of his release. She expressed gratitude that her son was finally free. The Nigeria Police Force is yet to comment on the specifics of the rescue operation.
The incident highlights the growing concern over kidnappings in Nigeria, particularly in Imo State. The state government and security agencies have been urged to take decisive actions to curb the menace. Key efforts have been made to rescue the abducted victims, with a joint security operation ultimately leading to their release.
Key points
- The family of a freed NYSC member paid N6 million to secure his release.
- The Nigeria Police Force rescued 20 abducted NYSC members in Imo State through a joint security operation.
- The kidnappers initially demanded N50 million for each victim before accepting the reduced amount of N6 million.
