Gunmen holding 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State have reportedly reduced their ransom demand from ₦1 billion to ₦100 million, as families raise fresh concerns over the safety of the victims.
The kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million for each victim but have now lowered the amount to ₦5 million per person. Despite the reduction, relatives say the abducted graduates are being physically assaulted while security agencies work to secure their release.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of young Nigerians travelling across the country for the mandatory national service programme.
How the NYSC Members Were Kidnapped
The prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen attacked two commercial buses along the Owerri–Onitsha Road near Umunoha, in Imo State, on Thursday, October 1.
According to reports, the attackers intercepted the vehicles and forced passengers into a nearby forest.
The abduction prompted a search operation involving police officers and other security agencies. However, conflicting accounts have emerged about the exact number of passengers initially abducted and those rescued.
Families Report Torture as Kidnappers Reduce Ransom
One of the victims relatives, Alimot Akande, whose sister, Kehinde Akande, was among those abducted, confirmed that the ransom demand had been reduced.
She described the situation as frightening and overwhelming, alleging that the kidnappers had begun beating the captives, including female victims.
The families are appealing to the government to intervene urgently, fearing that the continued detention of the graduates could further endanger their lives.
Some parents have also accused the transport operator of failing to provide adequate passenger information to help them contact other affected families.
Police Locate Hideout but Face Explosives
Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, said security operatives had identified the suspected kidnapper’s location using surveillance drones.
However, intelligence gathered by security agencies suggested that the hideout had been surrounded by improvised explosive devices (IEDs), making an immediate rescue operation dangerous.
Bosso explained that security personnel were preparing to deploy bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers to approach the location while attempting to protect the hostages.
Although authorities have reported rescuing 10 people following the initial attack, families have questioned aspects of the official account. The precise number of victims still being held has not been independently established.
Oyo, Imo Governments Intensify Rescue Efforts
The Oyo State Government says it is collaborating with the Imo State Government and security agencies to secure the victims release.
Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said both states were maintaining contact and exchanging security information to support the operation.
He also called for greater federal intervention, stressing the need for a coordinated response to the abduction.
Fresh Concerns Over NYSC Travel Safety
The incident has again highlighted the risks facing prospective corps members required to travel long distances to their assigned states.
Established in 1973 to promote national unity and integration, the NYSC programme involves deploying Nigerian graduates to different parts of the country.
However, insecurity along major highways continues to raise questions about the protection available to young graduates travelling to orientation camps.
For the affected families, the immediate priority remains the safe return of their relatives.
As of Monday morning, October 5, the remaining victims release had not been confirmed, while security agencies continued efforts to reach the suspected kidnapper’s camp.
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