Twenty prospective corps members kidnapped in Imo State finally reunite with their families in Ibadan after a harrowing ordeal.
Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members who were recently rescued in Owerri have reunited with their families in Ibadan, according to information published by punchng.
The victims spent over three hours engaging with Department of State Services officials before gaining their freedom, following an abduction incident that left parents in deep anguish.
The harrowing episode began when thirty prospective corps members were traveling from Oyo State to orientation camps in Abia State, though ten managed to escape through the bush, according to information published by punchng.
The Dangers Of Long Distance Road Travel
One of the parents, Mrs Faith Felicia Abiala, stated that the incident exposed the severe dangers faced by young graduates traveling long distances by road to fulfill their national service obligations.
Abiala advised the Federal Government to provide stronger security arrangements for corps members or consider transporting them by air to avoid dangerous road journeys.
She expressed immense gratitude to the DSS officials from both Oyo and Imo states who stood by the families until their children emerged safe and sound.
Ransom Demands And Security Pressure
The abductors initially demanded fifty million naira for each victim, totaling one billion naira, before later reducing the ransom to five million naira per person, amounting to one hundred million naira.
While some parents disclosed that they paid ransoms in dollars to secure the release of their wards, Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso stated that the kidnappers succumbed to pressure from security agencies combing the forest.
The successful release was also aided by traditional rulers and government officials, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who coordinated efforts to support the distressed families.
Emotional Reunion In Oyo State
Upon sighting their parents at the DSS office, one of the victims broke down in tears, describing the entire abduction as a horrible experience.
Another parent, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed profound relief, stating that the confirmation of the release finally enabled families to sleep peacefully after days of uncertainty.
The victims spent seven days in captivity along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Umunoha, Imo State, before finally returning to the embrace of their loved ones in Oyo State.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many prospective NYSC members were kidnapped?
Thirty prospective National Youth Service Corps members were initially intercepted while traveling from Oyo State to Abia State, with twenty being abducted and ten escaping through the bush.
Where were the rescued NYSC members reunited with their families?
The twenty rescued prospective corps members were reunited with their families in Ibadan, Oyo State, after engaging with Department of State Services officials.
Were ransoms paid for the release of the corps members?
While parents disclosed paying ransoms in dollars to the abductors, the Imo State Police Command stated that the kidnappers ultimately succumbed to pressure from security agencies during rescue operations.
How long were the victims in captivity?
The prospective corps members regained their freedom seven days after being abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Umunoha, Imo State.
