By our reporter 3.10.2026
The criminal gang holding 20 National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members hostage has given their parents 24 hours to cough up a N1b ransom payment.
While security forces are on the trail of the gang and the victims, their parents while discussing the kidnap of their wards with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja in Bodija on Saturday disclosed they have been given 24 hours to pay up before the release of the NYSC members.
They were kidnapped on Thursday along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha in Imo State, while travelling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps in South-east and the South-south.
Speaking on behalf of the affected families, Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande said the abductors had been contacting them through the mobile phones of the kidnapped prospective corps members.
“They have been calling us since yesterday (Friday) with a demand for N50m ransom each. They are threatening that anything untoward will happen to our children if we fail to heed to their request.
“There is no way we can raise such an amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” the parents said.
Ladoja, in his response, assured the families that efforts were being made to rescue the victims unharmed.
“I want to assure that your children would be rescued unharmed. We will relate whatever information we gather to you. The Police are working round the clock to secure their rescue. Don’t worry yourself, police are up to the task, and nothing would happen to your children,” he said.
