Parents of abducted NYSC members say transport firm withheld passengers’ next of kin details

Parents of 19 prospective NYSC members abducted by gunmen in Imo State have accused the transport company that conveyed their children from Ibadan of withholding passenger information, Vanguard reports. The travellers boarded an Eduak King Transport Company bus at Samonda, Ibadan, bound for the orientation camp in Abia State, and were reportedly attacked around Owerri.

Mrs Iyabo Akande, whose daughter Kehinde Marufat is among the abducted, said: “Yesterday morning at their office, we were asking for the next of kin list so we could contact other parents, but they refused to present it or assist us.” Engr. Olawale Olaleye also faulted the company: “We went to Samonda, to Eduak King. Surprisingly, they were already loading another vehicle. People are complaining, the company should be held liable.”

The abductors have reportedly demanded N50 million for one victim. The company’s premises were locked and no official was available to respond to the allegations. Governor Makinde’s security aide says rescue efforts are intensifying.