The parents of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members, who were abducted in Imo State, have sought the assistance of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in securing their children's release. The abductors have demanded a ₦1 billion ransom, ₦50 million for each victim. The distraught parents made the appeal during a visit to Ladoja at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan, on Sunday. They were accompanied by Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.
The 20 PCMs were abducted on Thursday after gunmen attacked their vehicles along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State. The victims were travelling from Ibadan to different NYSC orientation camps. The abductors have been contacting the parents since Friday, demanding the ransom and threatening to harm the corps members if the demand is not met. The parents claim they cannot afford to pay such a large sum of money.
One of the affected mothers, Iyabo Akande, whose daughter, Kehinde, is among the victims, accused Eduak King Transport Company of withholding information that could help the families locate other affected passengers. The transport company allegedly refused to present a next-of-kin list or assist the families in locating other passengers. Another parent, Olawale Olaleye, expressed shock at finding the transport company loading another vehicle when they visited its Samonda office for assistance.
The parents, represented by Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande, pleaded with Ladoja to assist them in securing their children's release. They expressed fear for their children's lives, given the abductors' threats. Ladoja assured the families that security agencies were working to rescue the abducted graduates alive. He expressed confidence that the police would succeed in their efforts.
Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, stated that he had been in contact with his Imo counterpart since the incident. He expressed confidence that the victims would be rescued safely but did not disclose whether any ransom had been paid or provide details of the rescue strategy. Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate the rescue operation.
DIG Shehu Nadada arrived in Imo State with two commissioners of police to review the deployment of personnel, operational assets, and ongoing search-and-rescue efforts. The police and other security agencies continue their efforts to secure the victims' release. The incident has raised concerns about the security of prospective corps members during their NYSC orientation.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has assured the families that their children will be rescued unharmed. The police and other security agencies are working round the clock to ensure the safe release of the abducted corps members. The incident highlights the need for improved security measures to protect citizens, particularly during large-scale movements like the NYSC orientation.
Key points
- The parents of the abducted corps members have appealed to Oba Rashidi Ladoja for help in securing their children's release in exchange for ₦1 billion ransom.
- The abductors have demanded ₦50 million for each of the 20 victims and have threatened to harm them if the ransom is not paid.
- Security agencies, including the police, are working to rescue the abducted graduates alive.
