October 3, 2026
Families of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State have been thrown into panic after kidnappers reportedly demanded a staggering ₦950 million ransom for the release of the victims.
The abductors allegedly demanded ₦50 million for each victim, according to reports published on Saturday, after gunmen attacked two buses conveying prospective corps members travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom.
The attack occurred along the Owerri–Onitsha Road near Umunoha in Imo State, where the gunmen reportedly intercepted the buses and took passengers into a nearby bush.
The incident has triggered anguish among parents and relatives, with some families reportedly receiving direct contact from the abductors.
One parent told Saturday PUNCH that the kidnappers contacted her through her son’s phone and demanded ₦50 million specifically for his release. Another mother said her family was able to see her daughter and other victims during a video call made by the abductors.
Security Forces Rescue Victims
Security agencies have already mounted a search-and-rescue operation in the area.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed that 10 victims were rescued, while the two buses were recovered. The exact number of people still in captivity has been subject to differing reports as authorities continue efforts to establish the situation.
The Defence Headquarters also reported that troops and personnel from other security agencies were conducting a joint operation to locate those still missing.
Parents Cry Out
The reported ransom demand has placed enormous pressure on affected families, many of whom cannot afford sums running into tens of millions of naira.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has called for urgent government intervention, while urging authorities to verify the ransom claims and maintain direct communication with affected families.
NANS also called for safer transportation arrangements and a review of long-distance NYSC postings, arguing that graduates travelling to fulfil the compulsory national service programme should receive stronger security protection.
Calls Grow for Urgent Rescue
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of prospective corps members travelling across states to attend NYSC orientation camps.
With security agencies still searching for those believed to be in captivity, affected parents and relatives are calling for urgent action to ensure that their children return home safely.
The reported ₦950 million ransom demand has not been independently confirmed in full by security authorities, although multiple reports and NANS have confirmed allegations of demands reaching ₦50 million per victim.
