Kidnappers demand N20m ransom for abducted NYSC members

Kidnappers who abducted members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja have demanded a ransom of N20 million for each victim.

The corps members were abducted three days ago along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, shortly after completing their three-week orientation programme.

A family member of one of the victims told newsmen that the abductors had contacted the family and demanded N20 million for the release of the corps member.

“One of our daughters who was kidnapped on her way from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing three weeks orientation camp. The kidnappers are requesting N20 million,” the source said.

The abduction was earlier confirmed by the Kogi State Police Command, which said armed men attacked passengers travelling along the route and abducted several people, including NYSC members.

The police subsequently said 11 abducted persons, including the drivers of the two vehicles involved, had been rescued during a joint operation by security agencies.

However, some corps members and other passengers are still believed to be in captivity, with security agencies continuing efforts to locate and rescue them.

The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of corps members travelling between states after their mandatory orientation programmes.

Families of the victims have appealed to the Federal Government, the NYSC and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of those still being held by the kidnappers.