JUST IN: KIDNAPPERS GIVE FAMILIES 24 HOURS TO PAY RANSOM FOR ABDUCTED NYSC MEMBERS
PINAIBA BOLOUERE FIRSTLADY — Reporter
GLOBAL EGBERI MEDIA INTERNATIONAL LTD
Families of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their orientation camps are facing a tense and desperate situation as their abductors have reportedly issued a ransom ultimatum.
The victims were among passengers travelling along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Imo State when gunmen intercepted two buses near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Initial reports indicated that about 20 prospective corps members were abducted. The Imo State Police Command subsequently confirmed that 10 victims had been rescued, while security agencies continued efforts to locate those still missing.
The latest report by Saturday PUNCH says the abductors have demanded ₦50 million per victim, amounting to ₦950 million for 19 graduates, and contacted some of the victims’ families.
Earlier reporting had put the ransom demand at ₦1 billion, highlighting that details surrounding the number of victims and the amount demanded were still being clarified as rescue operations continued.
The development has deepened anxiety among families, many of whom are waiting for information about the whereabouts and safety of their loved ones.
Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified search-and-rescue operations in the area, with police tactical teams and other security personnel working to locate the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible.
The incident has also renewed concerns about the safety of young graduates travelling across states to attend NYSC orientation camps.
GLOBAL EGBERI MEDIA INTERNATIONAL LTD will continue to monitor the situation and provide verified updates as they emerge.
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