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Parents of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State have appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to help secure their children’s release after kidnappers demanded ₦1 billion ransom.
The distraught parents made the appeal when they visited Ladoja at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan, yesterday, alongside Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.
The parents said the abductors had been contacting them since Friday, demanding ₦50 million for each victim and threatening to harm the corps members if the ransom was not paid.
“There is no way we can raise such an amount at this time. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande, who spoke on behalf of the families, pleaded.
The 20 PCMs were abducted last Thursday after gunmen attacked their vehicles along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, while they were travelling from Ibadan to different NYSC orientation camps.
One of the affected mothers, Iyabo Akande, whose daughter, Kehinde, was among the victims, also accused Eduak King Transport Company of withholding information that could help the families locate other affected passengers.
“Yesterday morning at their office, we were asking for the next-of-kin list so we could contact other parents, but they refused to present it or assist us. They must be held accountable,” she said.
Another parent, Olawale Olaleye, said the families were shocked to find the transport company loading another vehicle when they visited its Samonda office for assistance. “The company should be held liable,” he said.
Responding, Ladoja assured the families that security agencies were working to rescue the abducted graduates alive. “I want to assure you that your children will be rescued unharmed,” he said, adding that the police were working round the clock on the operation.
The Oyo CP, Abimbola, said he had remained in contact with his Imo counterpart since the incident and expressed confidence that the victims would be rescued safely. He, however, did not disclose whether any ransom had been paid or give details of the rescue strategy.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate the rescue operation.
The DIG arrived with two commissioners of police and reviewed the deployment of personnel, operational assets and ongoing search-and-rescue efforts as the police and other security agencies continue efforts to secure the victims’ release.
