Horror Escalates: Kidnappers Issue 24-Hour Ultimatum for Abducted NYSC Members!
Presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for the immediate rescue of 20 abducted NYSC members, highlighting Nigeria's worsening insecurity. Meanwhile, the kidnappers have demanded a N1 billion ransom, prompting appeals from parents and intensified rescue efforts by security agencies, including the deployment of drones and specialized police units to Imo State.
The abduction of approximately 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members traveling to their orientation camps has ignited widespread concern in Nigeria, drawing condemnations and pleas for immediate rescue from political figures and the anguished families of the victims. The incident, which saw gunmen attack two buses conveying the graduates along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, on Thursday, is another stark indicator of Nigeria's worsening insecurity.
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, voiced his deep concern over the abduction, describing it as a disturbing manifestation of the country's escalating security challenges. In a post on his official X handle, the former Anambra State governor emphasized that young Nigerians preparing to serve their nation should not be subjected to the fear of unsafe travel. Obi stressed that the primary responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property, and called upon authorities to swiftly rescue the abducted corps members and apprehend those responsible for the attack. He asserted that insecurity should not be treated as an ordinary occurrence and urged proactive measures to ensure Nigerians can travel, work, and serve without fear.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the parents of the abducted prospective corps members disclosed on Saturday that the kidnappers had issued a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding a staggering N1 billion ransom for their release. This revelation came during their visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan. The abductors, who have been contacting the families via the victims' mobile phones, are demanding N50 million for each of the 20 individuals, totaling the colossal sum.
Speaking on behalf of the distressed families, Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande tearfully appealed to Oba Ladoja and the accompanied state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, to intervene. They expressed their inability to raise such a monumental sum and relayed the kidnappers' threats of dire consequences if their demands were not met.
In response, Oba Ladoja offered assurances to the grieving families, promising that concerted efforts were underway to rescue the victims unharmed. He pledged to share any gathered information and reaffirmed the police's commitment to the rescue operation. Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Abimbola confirmed his ongoing communication with his Imo State counterpart, who had also given assurances regarding the victims' safe return. While Abimbola did not disclose details of ransom payments or specific rescue efforts, he highlighted the intensity of ongoing operations.
Meanwhile, security agencies have significantly ramped up their search-and-rescue mission. The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, reported on Saturday that drones had been deployed and had successfully located the suspected camp where the remaining victims were believed to be held. However, the operation faced delays due to intelligence indicating the presence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted around the camp. The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has further reinforced these efforts by deploying the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate the search-and-rescue mission, underscoring the high-level attention given to securing the safe release of the abducted NYSC members.