The kidnappers gave the parents of the kidnapped NYSC members 24 hours to pay the ransom

Gunmen who kidnapped 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme recruits traveling in Imo State have given the parents 24 hours to pay the demanded N1 billion ransom.

The graduates were traveling from Oyo State to their orientation camp when they were attacked and kidnapped on October 1 along Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State.

The parents revealed the ultimatum from the criminals on Saturday when they visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan, with the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.

The kidnappers reportedly demanded N50 million for each victim, amounting to N1 billion.

Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, has confirmed the ransom demand to journalists.

Speaking on behalf of the victim’s family, Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande said the kidnappers had contacted them on the mobile phones of the kidnapped prospective corps members.

“They have been calling us since yesterday (Friday) with ransom demands of N50 million each. They are threatening that untoward things will happen to our children if we do not comply with their demands.

“There is no way we can raise that much money now. Baba, please help us. Don’t let them kill our children,” said the parent.

The parents asked Ladoja and the police commissioner to intervene and guarantee their children’s immediate release.

Responding, Ladoja assured the parents that efforts were being made to rescue the victims unharmed.

He said, “I want to ensure that your children will be rescued unharmed. We will pass on any information we gather to you. The police are working around the clock to secure their rescue. Don’t worry, the police are up to the task, and nothing will happen to your children.”

Also speaking, the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, said he had contacted his counterpart in Imo State regarding the incident.

“I have contacted the Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of the incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unharmed,” he said.

The police commissioner did not reveal whether any ransom had been paid or provide details of ongoing rescue operations.

Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu has also deployed the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operation Shehu Nadada to Imo State to coordinate search and rescue operations.