- As Kidnappers issue 24-Hour ₦1bn ransom ultimatum
Parents of the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members (NYSC), who were abducted on their way to the orientation camp in Abia State last Thursday, are begging relevant authorities and Nigerians to ensure their children and others in captivity return home unharmed and secured.
This is as the kidnappers have reportedly given the parents a 24-hour ultimatum to pay a N1 billion ransom each before the release of their children from captivity.
The parents made this passionate appeal when they visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan, alongside the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.
The parents sought the timely intervention of the Olubadan and the Police Commissioner, saying the gunmen contacted them using the mobile lines of the kidnapped prospective corps members.
They told the Olubadan that the visit was necessitated by the gunmen’s threat to deal decisively with the victims if the demand for the ransom was not met within 24 hours.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande and Oyebola Michael Akande appealed to both Ladoja and CP Ayodeji to come to their rescue by ensuring the timely release of their children.
According to the distressed parents: “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. There is no way we can raise such amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children”.
In his reaction, the Olubadan assured them that their children would be rescued unharmed, saying: “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. Don’t worry yourself. The police are up to the task, and nothing would happen to your children.”
Also addressing the gathering, CP Abimbola said contacts have already been made his counterpart in Imo State, and efforts were in top gear to secure the rescue and safe return of the kidnapped Corps members.
“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:, the Police Chief re-assured the parents.
