Kidnappers Demand N950 Million for 19 NYSC Members

On October 1, 2026, nineteen prospective National Youth Service Corps members were abducted by gunmen while traveling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. The incident occurred along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Umunoha, Imo State, when the attackers blocked two buses carrying the victims.

Isiah Akpan, Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, confirmed the incident, stating that the kidnappers demanded a total ransom of N950 million, with N50 million requested for each victim. Families of the abducted corps members reported being contacted directly by the kidnappers, who used the victims' phones to communicate ransom demands.

One parent expressed concern over the exorbitant amount, questioning how ordinary families could afford such a sum. The buses had left Ibadan on the previous day but were delayed due to traffic, and upon entering Imo State, the gunmen emerged from the bush to carry out the abduction.

Security personnel initiated a search operation, although it faced initial delays due to local villagers obstructing the removal of the abandoned buses.