Families of prospective National Youth Service Corps members are in panic after gunmen reportedly abducted 19 graduates travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
The victims were travelling in two buses when the attackers intercepted them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State. The abductors allegedly demanded ₦50 million for each victim, bringing the total ransom to about ₦950 million.
The buses reportedly left the Bodija/Samonda area of Ibadan on Wednesday and spent the night in Oba, Anambra State, after traffic delayed their journey. The gunmen allegedly blocked the vehicles after they entered Imo State and took the passengers into the bush, while the drivers escaped and alerted security agencies...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Some families reportedly received ransom calls from the abductors. One parent said the kidnappers used her son’s phone to demand ₦50 million, while another mother received a video call showing her daughter and other corps members in captivity.
The Imo State Police Command said 10 victims had been rescued, while security operatives continued searching for those still missing. The abandoned buses and passengers’ belongings were also recovered.
The Oyo State Government condemned the incident and said it was working with security agencies, the Imo State Government and NYSC authorities to secure the victims’ release.
The abduction has renewed concerns over the safety of corps members travelling to orientation camps and prompted calls for stronger security arrangements along high-risk routes.
