NYSC-bound Ibi Philip recounts harrowing kidnap ordeal

Ibi Philip, a prospective National Youth Service Corps member, recounted his abduction along with 11 other travellers in Edo State while en route to the NYSC orientation camp in Akure, Ondo State, on September 30, 2026. Their bus, operated by Benue Links Nig.

Ltd., was ambushed at Ibilo. The driver and two passengers escaped, while the remaining 12 were taken to a forest in Kogi State.

They endured harsh conditions, trekking through savannah, sleeping on bare ground, and receiving minimal food. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N50 million, which was later reduced to N30 million, N20 million, and finally N10 million as families struggled to raise funds.

Negotiations began on October 2, allowing captives to contact their families. Philip's father, Chief Sunday Ibi, and his former course representative, Ols Sally Sewuese Ukule, worked to gather the ransom.

The captives were monitored during calls, and Philip faced severe beatings when his father reported raising only N500,000.