A family in Nigeria is appealing for help after their loved one, Dapo, a newly discharged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, was kidnapped on his way home from Edo State. Dapo was abducted on Tuesday evening, November 3, 2026, along with nine others on the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road. According to his sister, Abigeal, the last time they heard from him was when he sent a video of the traffic on the road. He then became unreachable. The family is now seeking assistance from the Federal Government and security agencies to rescue him.
The abduction occurred shortly after Dapo and the others left Ijebu-Ode for Ibadan. A corps member who escaped from the scene said the driver suddenly turned onto a bush path as traffic built up. He stated that attackers opened fire when they reached the kidnappers' location and shot at least one person. The escaped corps member hid and found himself in the bush after the others had been taken away. The bus and the victims' luggage have been recovered and are currently at the Ijebu-Ode Police Station.
The kidnappers have made contact with the family, demanding a ransom of ₦25 million. Abigeal said the kidnappers called on Wednesday using Dapo's phone, and he briefly spoke to his family, saying "Hello, mummy," before the kidnappers took the phone. The demand was initially ₦20 million, but it was later increased to ₦25 million with a deadline of Thursday. The family claims they do not have the funds to raise the demanded amount.
The Ogun State Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that some people were abducted along the Ogun corridor of the road but denied that any corps member was among them. However, a senior police source confirmed the abduction, speaking anonymously. The police and vigilantes searched the bush on Tuesday night but returned without the victims.
The family of Dapo is not alone in their plight, as families of other victims are also trying to raise funds to secure their loved ones' release. Abigeal said she had seen posts on social media from families of other victims. The victims have already spent two nights in captivity. The situation remains dire, with the family and authorities working to secure their release.
The incident has raised concerns about the security situation on Nigerian roads. The NYSC has not commented on the incident, but the police are working to rescue the victims. The government has also been urged to take action to prevent such incidents in the future.
As of the latest reports, Dapo and the other victims remain in captivity. The family continues to appeal for help, and the authorities are working to secure their release. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for improved security measures to protect citizens, especially those traveling on highways.
Key points
- The kidnappers demanded ₦25 million for the release of Dapo and the other victims.
- The victims have been in captivity for two nights.
- The police and vigilantes have recovered the bus and luggage of the victims.
