IBADAN — Twenty prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camps in Abia State, have arrived in Ibadan following their release after seven days in captivity.
The rescued graduates were brought to the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Aleshinloye, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Wednesday, where they are currently receiving attention from security authorities.
The victims were among 30 prospective corps members travelling from Oyo State when gunmen attacked two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State.
During the attack, 10 of the prospective corps members reportedly escaped from their abductors through the bush, while the remaining 20 were taken into captivity.
The 20 victims were held for seven days before they were eventually released at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State.
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Kidnappers Demanded ₦1bn Ransom
The abduction sparked widespread concern among the victims’ families and the public after the kidnappers reportedly demanded an initial ransom of ₦50 million for each victim.
The initial demand amounted to ₦1 billion for the 20 abducted graduates.
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The kidnappers later reduced the ransom demand to ₦5 million per victim, bringing the total demand down to ₦100 million.
However, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, said no ransom was paid for the release of the victims.
According to the police commissioner, security agencies were responsible for the operation that led to the safe recovery of the abducted graduates.
IGP Deploys DIG to Coordinate Rescue Operation
The development followed the deployment of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The DIG was deployed to coordinate the search and rescue efforts following the abduction of the prospective corps members.
The incident had generated considerable anxiety among the victims’ parents, who sought intervention from traditional rulers and security authorities to secure the safe release of their children.
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Olubadan Confirms Release
The release of the abducted graduates was later confirmed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
The monarch reportedly received a telephone call from the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, confirming that the victims had regained their freedom.
Following their release in Imo State, the 20 graduates were transported to Ibadan, where they were taken to the DSS headquarters for further attention.
Families Await Reunion
At the DSS headquarters, checks showed that only representatives of the victims’ parents were allowed into the premises, while other relatives and sympathisers remained outside awaiting further developments.
The rescued graduates are expected to receive further attention before they are reunited with their families.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the security of young Nigerians travelling across the country, particularly prospective NYSC members who are required to travel to different states for their mandatory national service.
For the families of the 20 graduates, however, their safe recovery brings an end to seven days of uncertainty and fear as they await the opportunity to welcome their loved ones home.
