Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted while travelling to their orientation camps have reunited with their families in Ibadan, Oyo State, following their release after seven days in captivity.
The victims reunited with their relatives on Thursday after engagements with officials of the Department of State Services (DSS). They were among 30 prospective corps members travelling from Oyo State to orientation camps in Abia State when they were kidnapped along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State. The remaining 10 reportedly escaped through the bush.
Parents of the rescued graduates expressed relief over their safe return, while calling on the Federal Government to strengthen security for corps members travelling to their states of deployment. One of the mothers, Faith Felicia Abiala, suggested that the government consider providing secure transportation, including air travel, to reduce the risks associated with long-distance road journeys.
The release came amid reports that the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million per victim before reportedly reducing the ransom to N5 million each. Some parents said money was paid to secure their children’s freedom, although the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, said he was unaware of any ransom payment and attributed the release to pressure from security agencies.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of young graduates travelling across the country for national service, with families urging authorities to take stronger measures to prevent similar abductions.
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