NYSC Members Kidnapped in Imo State, Ransom Set at ₦5M

Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were abducted by gunmen in Imo State, with the kidnappers demanding ₦5 million for each victim's release. Initially, the ransom was set at ₦50 million per person but was later reduced.

Alhaja Alimot Akande, a relative of one of the victims, Kehinde, reported that the captives have been subjected to physical assaults since their abduction on Saturday. Akande described the situation as “horrible, scary and overwhelming” and urged the government to intensify rescue efforts.

She confirmed that the kidnappers allowed one victim to speak with his father but monitored the conversation to gauge the family's ability to pay the ransom. Families are relying on police assurances while attempting to raise the demanded funds.

Akande stated that the police advised them to buy time as they work to gather the ransom money.