A mother of one of the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State has revealed that her family paid N6 million to secure the release of her son.
The victims, who were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states, were abducted on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.
They were rescued on October 7 at Amakohia Ubi Village following sustained search-and-rescue operations involving the police and other security agencies. The rescued victims were subsequently taken for medical assessment and necessary care.
Speaking during an interview with News Central Television, the mother said the abductors initially demanded N50 million for each victim before eventually reducing the amount demanded from her family to N6 million.
She said the family struggled to raise the money after the kidnappers rejected their initial offer of N5.5 million.
According to her, representatives of the victims’ families were instructed to meet the abductors, while the ransom was transferred through arrangements given by the kidnappers.
She said her husband and her son’s elder brother were among those who went to deliver the money.
The woman, whose identity was not disclosed, said she was overwhelmed with relief after receiving confirmation that her son had been released.
She also described the emotional toll of the abduction, saying she could barely sleep while her son was being held captive.
The reported ransom payment has not been publicly confirmed by the police, who have only stated that the victims were rescued through sustained and coordinated security operations. Authorities have also said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
The abduction had triggered widespread concern after reports emerged that the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million for each of the 20 victims, amounting to N1 billion.
The victims were travelling in two buses when gunmen reportedly attacked them near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
Following the incident, security agencies launched a search-and-rescue operation. Reports said security operatives later located the kidnappers’ hideout through surveillance before intensifying efforts to reach the captives.
The successful rescue brought an end to days of anxiety for the families of the abducted prospective corps members.
The Nigeria Police Force has meanwhile maintained that operations are continuing to track down those behind the abduction and bring them to justice.
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