Kidnappers torture abducted corps members, slash ransom to N100m

Relatives of 20 abducted corps members have raised fresh concerns over the safety of the victims, alleging that kidnappers have subjected them to physical torture while reducing their ransom demand to N100 million.

The prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were reportedly travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when gunmen attacked two buses along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, on October 1.

The abductors initially reportedly demanded N50 million from each victim, putting the total ransom at N1 billion.

However, relatives said the kidnappers have now reduced the demand to N5 million per victim, bringing the total to N100 million.

The families also alleged that the abducted corps members were being beaten in captivity, including female victims, raising fears over their physical condition as the rescue operation continues.

A relative of one of the victims, Alimot Akande, said the situation had become increasingly frightening, appealing to the authorities to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ safe release.

According to the relatives, the abductors have maintained contact with some families through the phones of the captives and have used the communication to demand ransom.

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The families had earlier appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, for intervention after the kidnappers reportedly demanded the initial N1 billion ransom.

Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified efforts to locate the kidnappers’ hideout and rescue the victims.

The Imo State Police Command said its operatives had traced the suspected kidnappers to a location in the bush. However, the operation has reportedly been complicated by intelligence that the area may have been planted with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The police said drone surveillance was used to identify the suspected location of the captives, with plans underway to deploy additional operational equipment to safely access the area.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has also deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Umar Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate the rescue operation.

Nadada subsequently reviewed the security deployment and directed additional tactical resources towards efforts to rescue the abducted corps members.

Police authorities have assured the families that efforts are ongoing to locate the victims and bring them home safely.

There have also been varying reports over the exact number of people abducted and those already rescued. The police initially reported that some victims had been rescued after the attack, while relatives continued to maintain that 20 prospective corps members remained affected by the abduction.

The two buses involved in the incident have reportedly been recovered as security agencies continue operations around the area.

The Oyo State Government has also joined efforts to secure the release of the victims, maintaining contact with the Imo State Government and security agencies.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of prospective corps members travelling to NYSC orientation camps, particularly along major highways where kidnapping remains a persistent security challenge.

For the affected families, the immediate priority remains the safe return of their loved ones as security agencies work to overcome the reported explosives threat and reach the suspected kidnappers’ hideout.

Kidnappers torture abducted corps members, slash ransom to N100m

Family seeks N10m to free kidnapped newlywed, other victims

The family of a newlywed woman kidnapped in Kwara State has appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance to raise ₦10 million being sought for the release of her and other victims still held by their abductors.

The victims were among six passengers reportedly abducted along the Eruku-Iyemero Road, a route linking communities in Kwara and Kogi states.

The incident involved newlyweds Funmilayo Bamidele and Rev. Abiodun David, who were travelling with other passengers when suspected kidnappers intercepted their vehicle.

Following the abduction, the victims’ vehicle was reportedly found abandoned around Ayetoro in Ekiti State, prompting security agencies and authorities from Kwara, Kogi and Ekiti to intensify efforts to locate the victims and rescue them.

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The family of Precious Alonge, one of those abducted, has now appealed for public support, saying they need to raise ₦10 million to secure the release of the captives.

The appeal comes amid growing concern over the safety of travellers using the route, which has witnessed security challenges and kidnapping incidents.

One of the six abducted passengers has reportedly been rescued, while efforts are continuing to secure the release of those still in captivity.

The families of the victims have continued to appeal for assistance as security agencies work to locate the kidnappers and secure the safe return of the remaining captives.

The incident has renewed concerns about kidnapping along inter-state roads in Nigeria, particularly routes connecting communities across Kwara, Kogi and Ekiti states.

Security authorities have yet to provide a full account of the circumstances surrounding the abduction or disclose details of any arrests made in connection with the incident.

The families are urging members of the public, community leaders and other well-meaning Nigerians to support their efforts to secure the safe release of the remaining victims.

Family seeks N10m to free kidnapped newlywed, other victims

NDLEA intercepts N5bn worth of drugs at ports, arrests Milan-bound businessman

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted illicit drug consignments worth more than N5 billion at major Nigerian seaports and arrested a businessman allegedly attempting to smuggle 4.8kg of cocaine to Milan, Italy.

The seizures were recorded during separate operations at the Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, as well as the Onne Port in Rivers State, according to the anti-narcotics agency.

At Apapa Port, NDLEA operatives intercepted a container containing about 3.5 tonnes of skunk, a strain of cannabis. The agency said the consignment had been imported from Canada and was concealed among items declared as used vehicles and household goods.

At Tin Can Island Port, officers discovered another consignment of cocaine concealed in shoe soles during the examination of imported cargo from Canada.

A further seizure was made at Onne Port, where NDLEA operatives intercepted consignments containing cannabis and other illicit substances.

The agency put the combined value of the seized drugs at more than N5 billion.

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In a separate operation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, NDLEA officers arrested a businessman allegedly preparing to travel to Milan, Italy, with cocaine concealed in the soles of shoes.

The suspect was arrested during an outbound operation after officers discovered 4.80 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in his luggage.

NDLEA said the suspect was scheduled to travel to Milan when he was stopped for further checks. The agency subsequently took him into custody as investigations continued.

The latest operations highlight the various methods allegedly used by drug trafficking networks to move illicit substances across Nigeria’s borders, including concealing drugs in commercial cargo and everyday items such as footwear.

The NDLEA has continued to strengthen surveillance at Nigeria’s seaports and international airports, with particular attention on consignments and passengers suspected of involvement in drug trafficking.

The agency said the latest interceptions demonstrate its continued efforts to disrupt the supply chain for illicit drugs and prevent Nigeria from being used as a transit point for international drug trafficking.

Investigations into the seizures and arrests are ongoing, with the agency expected to prosecute suspects where sufficient evidence is established.

The businessman and other suspects remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

NDLEA intercepts N5bn worth of drugs at ports, arrests Milan-bound businessman