Eniola Yekini
Gunmen who abducted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja have demanded N20 million for the release of each victim.
The corps members were kidnapped recently along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State while returning from their three-week orientation exercise.
It was gathered that the family member of one of the abducted corps members said the kidnappers had contacted the family and demanded N20 million for the victim’s release.
“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 source said.
The ransom demand comes amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to rescue those who remain in captivity after the attack.
The Kogi State Police Command had confirmed that passengers, including NYSC members, were abducted along the route.
According to the police, 11 victims, including the drivers of the two vehicles involved in the incident, were rescued during a joint operation by security personnel. The command, however, said efforts were continuing to locate and rescue those still being held by the gunmen.
The development has heightened concerns among the families of the remaining victims, with relatives calling on the Federal Government, the NYSC and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their safe release.