Kidnappers demand ₦50m each for abducted Oyo corps members

Families of prospective National Youth Service Corps members from Oyo State are appealing for help after kidnappers demanded ₦50 million for each person abducted while travelling to orientation camps.

Channels Television reported that gunmen attacked two buses in the Umunoha area of Imo State on Thursday as passengers travelled from Ibadan to camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Managing Director Isiah Akpan said 19 passengers were forced into the bush. Police later announced that 10 victims had been rescued, although it remained unclear whether they were among those abducted.

One parent said the kidnappers had begun contacting families. “We are here to appeal to the government to come to our rescue,” Olawale Olalere said.

Another mother, whose daughter was abducted, said: “Where will petty traders get N50 million? They are just going to serve Nigeria; why this punishment?”

Oyo State officials said authorities were working with relevant stakeholders to secure the victims’ release.