Armed bandits have reportedly given the parents of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members—who were abducted last Thursday while traveling to an orientation camp in Abia State—a strict 24-hour deadline to pay a ransom.
The parents were requested to pay N1 billion each before the release of their children.
They disclosed this when they visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan, alongside the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.
The parents sought the timely intervention of the Olubadan and the CP.
According to them, the gunmen contacted them using the mobile lines of the kidnapped prospective corps members.
They told the Olubadan that the visit was necessitated by the gunmen’s threat to deal decisively with the victims if the demand for the ransom was not met within 24 hours.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande and Oyebola Michael Akande appealed to both Ladoja and CP Ayodeji to come to their rescue by ensuring the timely release of their children.
“They have been calling us since yesterday with a demand for N50 million ransom each. They are threatening that anything untoward will happen to our children if we fail to heed their request.
“There is no way we can raise such amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” they said.
The Olubadan assured them that their children would be rescued unharmed.
He said: “I want to assure you 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. The police are up to the task, and nothing would happen to your children.”
Also speaking, CP Abimbola said he had already contacted his counterpart in Imo State, and efforts were in top gear to secure their rescue.
He said: “I had already contacted the Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of the incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt.”
What You Should Know
Gunmen who abducted 20 prospective youth service members on their way to Abia State have contacted their families demanding a steep ransom within 24 hours, threatening dire consequences if payment is delayed. Distressed parents have sought the urgent intervention of traditional rulers and the police commissioner to secure the safe rescue of their children.
- Positive Impact: Security agencies in Oyo and neighboring states are actively collaborating and coordinating efforts to track down the criminals and ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
- Potential Concerns: The brazen abduction and heavy ransom demands highlight escalating security risks along major highways, causing severe psychological trauma for families and threatening the safety of youth service corps members nationwide.
