Survivor recounts ordeal of NYSC members kidnapped in Imo

A survivor of the abduction of 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps recounted their harrowing experience after being kidnapped on October 1 while traveling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. The attack occurred around 6.30am along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in the Umunoha area of Mbaitoli Local Government Area, where gunmen ambushed two buses.

The kidnappers initially demanded N50 million for each captive, later reducing the amount. The survivor described being beaten with guns and fists, having limited communication with their families, and being fed garri with dirty water.

The male victims faced more physical assaults than the female victims. The police located the kidnappers' hideout through drone surveillance but encountered challenges due to improvised explosive devices in the area.

The victims were rescued on October 7 in a joint operation by security agencies and were taken for medical examination and treatment after their release.