A prospective member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ibi Bemdoo Philip, has recounted his terrifying experience in the hands of kidnappers who abducted him and 11 other travellers during a journey to an orientation camp in Akure, Ondo State.
Philip disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million as ransom for the victims’ release before reducing the amount to ₦30 million, ₦20 million and eventually ₦10 million.
According to a report published by The Punch on Monday, October 12, 2026, the travellers were abducted on September 30 when their Benue Links bus was ambushed at Ibilo, Edo State.
The driver and two passengers reportedly escaped, while the remaining 12 occupants were taken captive and moved towards a forest in Kogi State.
How the Journey to NYSC Camp Turned Into a Nightmare
Philip said he boarded the vehicle expecting a normal journey to begin his national service, but the trip took a frightening turn when armed men attacked the bus.
The abductors reportedly took the victims towards Okene in Kogi State, forcing them to trek through the wilderness for days.
He explained that the captives slept on bare ground and rocks, endured heavy rainfall and survived on limited food while remaining uncertain about their fate.
The prospective corps member said the experience became particularly distressing when one of the kidnappers examined his identity card and suspected him of being a police officer because his residential address was opposite a police station.
According to him, the suspicion resulted in further beatings.
Kidnappers Demanded Millions From Families
Philip said ransom negotiations began on Friday, October 2, when the kidnappers allowed the victims to contact their families.
During one of the calls, he informed his father, Chief Sunday Ibi, and other contacts that the abductors were demanding ₦50 million.
The amount was subsequently reduced, but the financial demands remained difficult for the families to meet.
Philip recounted that his father initially raised ₦500,000, a figure that reportedly angered the kidnappers because they expected millions of naira.
He said he was severely beaten after the kidnappers reacted angrily to the amount.
The victim added that the abductors monitored conversations between the captives and their families, placing the calls on loudspeaker and restricting the language they could use.
Family Struggles to Raise Ransom
Philip said his father and other relatives, friends and concerned individuals made desperate efforts to raise the money required to secure the victims’ freedom.
According to his account, his father raised approximately ₦1.5 million by Monday and increased the amount to ₦1.7 million by Tuesday, October 6.
The kidnappers reportedly instructed him to raise ₦2 million and travel to the designated location to make payment.
The families were later directed to travel to Lokoja, Kogi State, before being redirected to Okene, where the ransom was to be collected.
How the Captives Regained Their Freedom
Philip said the victims were eventually released on Thursday, October 8, after money was delivered to the kidnappers.
He explained that some members of the gang went to collect the money while others remained behind to guard the captives.
After confirming that the payment had been received, the kidnappers reportedly instructed those guarding the victims to release them.
Philip said the gang leader even gave each captive ₦2,000 before telling them to leave the area.
The released travellers subsequently walked a considerable distance with those who had brought the ransom before reaching the road.
Faith Sustained Him During the Ordeal
Reflecting on his experience, Philip said his Christian faith helped him endure the uncertainty and fear of captivity.
He identified Psalm 23:4 as a source of comfort during the ordeal, particularly when he did not know whether he would survive or return home.
The verse reads: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Philip described the abduction as one of the darkest experiences of his life, saying a journey intended to begin his national service had instead become a struggle for survival.
He also expressed gratitude to those who supported his family and worked towards securing the victims’ release.
Renewed Concerns Over Kidnapping Along Nigerian Highways
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of travellers using highways that connect parts of southern and central Nigeria.
The abduction of passengers travelling towards an NYSC orientation camp also highlights the vulnerability of young Nigerians and other travellers moving between states.
For families of prospective corps members, the incident serves as a painful reminder of the security risks that can accompany journeys to orientation camps and other destinations.
Philip’s account offers a glimpse into the fear, physical hardship and emotional strain experienced by kidnapping victims and their relatives while negotiations for their release continue.
Source: The Punch, October 12, 2026.
Editorial note: The report distinguishes between the initial ransom demand of ₦50 million and the eventual payment reported by the survivor. It does not establish that the entire amount initially demanded was paid.
