Twenty NYSC Members Rescued After Kidnapping in Oyo

On October 8, 2026, twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members, who had been kidnapped while traveling from Oyo to orientation camps in Abia State, were rescued and arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State. The group was abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Umunoha, Imo State, while traveling in two buses.

Out of the thirty individuals on board, ten managed to escape into the bush. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N50 million per person, totaling N1 billion, but later reduced the amount to N5 million per person, amounting to N100 million.

The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, confirmed the ransom negotiations. Following the rescue, the victims were taken to the state headquarters of the Department of State Service in Aleshinloye, where only representatives of the victims’ parents were allowed access.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, confirmed the release of the kidnapped graduates, with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma also acknowledging the development.