NYSC Kidnap Crisis Escalates: Police Find Abductors' Camp, N1bn Ransom Demanded
Parents of abducted prospective NYSC members face a N1 billion ransom demand after their children were kidnapped en route to orientation camps in Imo State. Police have located the kidnappers' camp using drones but face delays due to improvised explosive devices, prompting a strategic plan involving bulldozers and significant police reinforcements.
Parents of approximately 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, who were abducted while traveling from Oyo State to their orientation camps in Imo, Abia, and Akwa Ibom states, have been given a 24-hour ultimatum by their kidnappers to pay a N1 billion ransom. The distraught parents revealed this on Saturday during a visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Bodija, Ibadan. They were accompanied by Oyo State Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Abimbola and the Aseyin of Iseyinland Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 1, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, when gunmen attacked two buses conveying the prospective corps members. The kidnappers reportedly demanded N50 million for each victim, totaling N1 billion for the initially reported 20 individuals. Speaking on behalf of the families, Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande described receiving calls from the abductors, who threatened dire consequences if the ransom was not paid. They pleaded with Oba Ladoja and the police commissioner for urgent intervention, stating their inability to raise such a substantial amount.
Oba Ladoja assured the families that efforts were underway to secure their children's release unharmed, emphasizing that the police were working round the clock. Oyo State Commissioner of Police Abimbola confirmed he had contacted his Imo State counterpart, who also gave assurances of a safe rescue. Details regarding any ransom payment or the specifics of the ongoing rescue operation were not disclosed by CP Abimbola.
Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso, confirmed the location of the suspected camp where 19 prospective NYSC members are believed to be held. Security operatives utilized drones on Friday to pinpoint the camp after trailing the abductors into the bush. However, an immediate entry into the location has been delayed due to intelligence indicating that the camp is heavily mined with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
CP Bosso stated that security agencies are preparing a strategic move into the area, involving high-velocity vehicles such as bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers (APCs), to safely reach and rescue the victims. The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has further intensified efforts by deploying the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Umar Nadada, and two commissioners of police to Imo State to coordinate the search and rescue mission. The Nigeria Police Force has also deployed additional tactical teams and operational assets to identified locations, working in collaboration with other security agencies to locate the abducted individuals and apprehend the perpetrators.