Parents of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members kidnapped while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camps have revealed that the abductors demanded N1bn for their release.

The victims were travelling from Ibadan to their respective orientation camps on Thursday when gunmen attacked the two buses conveying them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State.

The abductors reportedly demanded N50m for each victim, bringing the total ransom demand to N1bn.

Parents Receive 24-Hour Ultimatum

The affected parents disclosed the ransom demand on Saturday when they visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan.

They were accompanied by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.

Speaking on behalf of the families, Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande said the kidnappers had been contacting them through the mobile phones of the abducted prospective corps members.

“They have been calling us since yesterday (Friday) with a demand for N50m ransom each. They are threatening that anything untoward will happen to our children if we fail to heed to their request.

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

The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, had earlier confirmed the ransom demand.

Ladoja, Police Promise Rescue Efforts

Ladoja assured the families that efforts were being made to rescue the victims unharmed.

“I want to assure that your children would be rescued unharmed. We will relate whatever information we gather to you. The Police are working round the clock to secure their rescue. Don’t worry yourself, police are up to the task, and nothing would happen to your children,” he said.

Abimbola said he had contacted the Imo State Commissioner of Police regarding the incident.

“I had already contacted Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt,” he said.

The police commissioner did not disclose whether any ransom had been paid or provide details of the ongoing rescue operation.

Police Locate Suspected Kidnappers’ Camp

The development came as security agencies intensified efforts to rescue the abducted prospective corps members.

Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, said security operatives had located the suspected camp where the remaining victims were being held using drones.

However, he said the operation had been delayed because intelligence indicated that the camp had been planted with improvised explosive devices.

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

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The Olubadan-elect, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged Ibadan’s compound heads (Mogajis) and community leaders to make ancient family houses in the city more habitable.

Receiving hundreds of Mogajis at his Bodija residence over the weekend, Ladoja expressed concern that many chiefs with the means to improve their ancestral homes have instead chosen to live in upscale areas such as Bodija, Oluyole, Iyaganku, Jericho, Akobo, or even outside Nigeria.

He lamented that some had abandoned family responsibilities, neglecting to convene meetings or contribute to community growth after receiving their titles.

“We want Mogajis and chiefs to remain close to their roots,” Ladoja said. “By doing so, you will inspire the younger generation seeking mentorship. Encourage the grassroots by living among them and sharing with them.”

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