Gunmen who abducted members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have demanded N20 million ransom for each of the 15 corps members taken along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The victims were travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing their three-week orientation exercise when they were abducted.
Ransom Demand Confirmed by Family Source
A family member of one of the victims told Daily Trust that the abductors had contacted them to make known their ransom demand. The family source said, "One of our daughters who was kidnapped on her way from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing three weeks orientation camp. The kidnappers are requesting N20 million naira."
The development follows the confirmation by the Kogi State Police Command of the abduction of some passengers, including NYSC members, along the route. The command stated that 11 abducted persons, including the drivers of the two vehicles involved, were rescued following a joint operation by security personnel, while efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue those still in captivity.
Rescue Efforts and Appeals to Authorities
Families of some of the victims have since appealed to the Federal Government, the NYSC and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of those still being held. The abduction has raised concerns about the safety of corps members on Nigerian highways, particularly after the mandatory orientation period.
The Kogi State Police Command has not released further details on the ongoing rescue operations, but security personnel are reportedly working to track down the kidnappers and free the remaining victims. The incident highlights the persistent security challenges in parts of the country, especially along expressways used by travellers.
