NYSC Member's Family Pays N6 Million Ransom for Release

A mother, whose son was among the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway, disclosed that her family paid N6 million in ransom for his release. The kidnappers had initially demanded N50 million per person for each of the 20 victims.

The woman shared her experience during an interview on October 7, 2026, with News Central, marking the first detailed account from a victim's family since the corps members were freed. After several negotiations, the family managed to reduce the ransom amount.

The kidnappers instructed the parents of the victims to send three representatives to a meeting point in Ibadan, where her husband and elder son attended. The elder son was responsible for handing over the ransom and later confirmed the release of the victims to the family.

The mother expressed the emotional toll of the ordeal, stating she could not sleep or feel at ease throughout her son's captivity.