‘We Can’t Raise N1bn’ — Parents of Abducted Corps Members Beg Olubadan

‘We Can’t Raise N1bn’ — Parents of Abducted Corps Members Beg Olubadan

Parents of prospective NYSC members abducted in Imo State have appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, for urgent help after their children were reportedly held for ransom.

The parents visited the Olubadan at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan, on Saturday, seeking intervention following a reported N1 billion ransom demand.

According to the families, the abductors have been contacting them through the victims’ phones and demanding N50 million per victim. They reportedly gave the families 24 hours to raise the money, threatening that the victims could be harmed if the demand was not met.

The parents said they could not afford the ransom and appealed to Ladoja and the authorities to intervene.

“There is no way we can raise such an amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” they pleaded.

The NYSC-bound graduates were travelling from Ibadan to their orientation camps when gunmen attacked two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road around Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State on Thursday, October 1.

READ ALSO:

• 2027: Atiku, Amaechi Reiterate Plan to Cut Petrol Prices
• 2027: Tompolo Mobilises Taraba for Tinubu, Donates 25 Campaign Vehicles
• Osun Iyaloja-General Row: Ataoja Explains Asindemade’s Reinstatement

There has been a discrepancy over the number of victims and the corresponding ransom figure. An earlier account put the number of abducted prospective corps members at 19, which would amount to N950 million at N50 million per person. However, the affected families later told the Olubadan that 20 graduates remained in captivity, putting the ransom demand at N1 billion.

The families were accompanied to the Olubadan’s residence by Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.

Some of the parents also raised concerns about the transport company involved in the journey, accusing it of withholding information about the victims’ next of kin. They called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction.

The Nigeria Police Force has intensified efforts to secure the victims’ release, with IGP Olatunji Disu deploying the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to coordinate the operation in Imo State.

Security agencies have also located the suspected kidnappers’ hideout through drone surveillance but reportedly delayed an immediate assault after intelligence indicated that the camp could be protected with improvised explosive devices.

Ladoja assured the distressed families that efforts were being made to secure the safe return of their children, while the Oyo Police Command said it remained in contact with its Imo counterpart.

The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of graduates travelling to NYSC orientation camps, particularly along highways connecting different parts of the country.

‘We Can’t Raise N1bn’ — Parents of Abducted Corps Members Beg Olubadan