Parents of Kidnapped NYSC Members Seek Urgent Help

On October 1, thirty prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were kidnapped while traveling to the Orientation Camp in Abia State. The attack occurred on the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State, where gunmen ambushed two buses.

Ten of the victims managed to escape through the bush, contrary to claims of a rescue by security operatives. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N50 million for each of the remaining twenty victims, totaling N1 billion, and issued a 24-hour ultimatum for payment.

Parents of the victims, including Alhaja Alimot Akande and Oyebola Michael Akande, sought intervention from Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola. They expressed frustration over the transport company's lack of cooperation in providing passenger manifests and demanded the drivers' identities.

The Olubadan assured the parents that efforts were underway to secure the safe release of their children.