BREAKING: Terrorists Demand ₦20m Ransom for Each of 15 Kidnapped NYSC Members

Terrorists who abducted 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja have reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦20 million for each victim.

News Week Nigeria reports that the corps members were kidnapped along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State after completing their three-week orientation exercise in Bayelsa.

According to Daily Trust, the kidnappers have contacted the families of some of the victims and demanded ₦20 million for their release.

A family member of one of the abducted corps members confirmed the ransom demand, saying the victim was returning to Abuja after completing the mandatory orientation programme.

«“One of our daughters was kidnapped on her way from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing the three-week orientation camp. The kidnappers are requesting ₦20 million,” the family member was quoted as saying.»

The Kogi State Police Command had earlier confirmed the abduction of passengers, including NYSC members, along the route.

The command said 11 abducted persons, including the drivers of the two vehicles involved in the incident, were rescued during a joint operation by security agencies.

However, some of the victims are still being held by the kidnappers, with security personnel continuing efforts to locate and rescue them.

The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of corps members travelling across the country, particularly along routes affected by insecurity.

Families of the victims have appealed to the Federal Government, the NYSC and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of those still in captivity.

They also urged the authorities to take urgent measures to prevent further attacks on corps members and other travellers along the route.