Relatives of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from Oyo State are in a state of distress following the abduction of 19 individuals by gunmen in Imo State. The victims were en route to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom States when their buses were attacked in the Umunoha area.
According to Isiah Akpan, Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, the kidnappers have contacted families, demanding a total of ₦50 million for each abducted corps member. The buses had left Ibadan on Wednesday and, after encountering heavy traffic, spent the night in Oba before resuming their journey early Thursday morning. The attack occurred shortly after entering Imo State, where armed assailants halted the vehicles and forced the passengers into the surrounding bush.
Following the incident, the drivers managed to escape and alerted nearby security personnel, prompting a search operation. Initial efforts faced delays when locals allegedly obstructed the movement of the abandoned buses, leaving various belongings of the victims scattered inside.
As of the latest reports, the Imo State Police Command confirmed that 10 hostages had been rescued, although it remains unclear if these individuals were part of the group initially taken. Families reported receiving ransom demands, increasing their anxiety over the fate of the remaining victims.
Parents have expressed feelings of helplessness, appealing to the state and federal governments for assistance. Some relatives described moments of brief communication with the victims, revealing their distress. One mother recounted that her daughter, after being taken, was briefly allowed to contact her family via video call, showing her and other captives in a vulnerable state.
Supporters of the victims have also turned to social media, launching campaigns to raise awareness and seek help for the safe return of their loved ones. A manifest from the two buses indicated a total of 30 passengers, but the exact number of abductees and the identities of those rescued are still unclear as law enforcement agencies continue their investigations.
The Oyo State government has condemned the kidnappings and provided assurances to the families that efforts are being made to secure the release of the corps members. Executive assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, Sunday Odukoya, met with the affected families, promising that the governor is collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure their safe return.
