Families Fear for 20 Abducted Corps Members as Ransom Drops to N100m

Families Fear for 20 Abducted Corps Members as Ransom Drops to N100m

Families of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State are facing renewed anxiety after their kidnappers reportedly reduced the ransom demand from N1 billion to N100 million.

The development comes amid reports that the abducted prospective corps members are being subjected to physical abuse while in captivity.

The victims were reportedly travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen attacked two buses around Umunoha along the Owerri-Onitsha Road last Thursday.

According to the families, the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million for each victim but have now reduced the demand to N5 million per person, bringing the total ransom being sought to N100 million.

Despite the reduction, relatives say they are struggling to raise the money and have continued to appeal to the authorities to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.

The abduction has also prompted heightened security operations in the area as security agencies work to locate the victims and their captors.

The Imo State Police Command said it had deployed tactical teams and other operational resources to track the kidnappers and rescue those still being held.

Police had earlier reported recovering the two buses involved in the incident and rescuing 10 people at the scene, while efforts continued to locate the remaining victims.

The state command said its operatives were working with intelligence gathered from the area as part of efforts to identify the kidnappers’ location and secure the safe release of those in captivity.

Meanwhile, the families have raised concerns about the role of Eduak King Transport Company, alleging that the operator has not provided next-of-kin information that could help relatives identify and contact the families of other passengers believed to have been abducted.

The Oyo State Government has also said it is coordinating with the Imo State Government and security agencies to support efforts to rescue the victims.

The state government said it would continue engaging relevant authorities while urging the Federal Government to provide clarity on measures being taken to secure the release of the abducted prospective corps members.

For the families, the immediate priority remains the safe return of their loved ones, as uncertainty over their condition continues to deepen.

Blessing Anolaba
Editorial & Creative Correspondent
A storyteller and journalist passionate about telling stories for policy change and impact.