Gunmen who abducted 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling to an orientation camp in Abia State have reportedly issued their families a 24-hour ultimatum to pay ransom for their release.
The prospective corps members were reportedly kidnapped last Thursday while travelling to the orientation camp.
The victims’ parents disclosed the ransom demand when they visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan.
The parents were accompanied by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.
The families appealed to the Olubadan and the police for urgent intervention to secure the safe release of their children.
According to the parents, the kidnappers contacted them using the mobile phones of the abducted prospective corps members and threatened to harm the victims if their demands were not met.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Alhaja Alimot Akande and Oyebola Michael Akande said the kidnappers had initially demanded N50 million from each family.
“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,” they said.
“There is no way we can raise such amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children.”
The parents said they were seeking the intervention of the traditional ruler and security authorities to ensure that the victims were rescued safely and without delay.
Responding, Oba Ladoja assured the families that efforts would be made to secure the safe release of the abducted prospective corps members.
“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,” he said.
“Don’t worry yourself. The police are up to the task, and nothing would happen to your children.”
Commissioner of Police Abimbola said he had been in contact with his counterpart in Imo State over the incident and that security agencies were working to secure the victims’ release.
“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,” he said.
Security authorities have not publicly confirmed the reported ransom demand or the alleged 24-hour deadline.
 members travelling to an orientation camp in Abia State have reportedly){kind=link}