Kidnappers holding 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State have reportedly reduced their ransom demand from ₦1 billion to ₦100 million.

The graduates were abducted on Thursday while travelling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. Gunmen reportedly attacked the two buses conveying them around Umunoha, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.

A parent, Alhaja Alimot Akande, said the kidnappers had reduced the demand from ₦50m to ₦5m per victim. However, she alleged that the abductors had been beating the victims, increasing fears for their safety.

“They are not sparing anybody. They are beating all of them,” she said, appealing to the government to intervene and secure their release.

Security Agencies Intensify Rescue Efforts

The Imo State Police Command and the 34 Artillery Brigade in Owerri said efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted graduates.

Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye said security operatives were closing in on the victims’ location.

However, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, earlier said suspected improvised explosive devices at the kidnappers’ camp had complicated the operation.

Bosso said security personnel were preparing to use specialised equipment, including bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers, to reach the location safely.

Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, assured the families that efforts were underway to secure the victims’ safe return.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Abimbola also said he had contacted his Imo State counterpart over the incident.

Political Parties Demand Action

The abduction has triggered calls for urgent government intervention and a review of the NYSC scheme.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) called for a one-year suspension of the programme to allow the government to improve security arrangements.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the scheme remained important for national unity but needed urgent reforms to protect young graduates.

The National Democratic Congress, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party and Young Progressives Party also condemned the abduction and called for stronger security measures.

Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi urged the Federal Government to secure the victims’ immediate release, while activist and politician Omoyele Sowore called for the scheme to be suspended and eventually scrapped.

The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, also expressed concern, saying at least three of its graduates were among those reportedly abducted.

As rescue efforts continue, the victims’ families remain anxious, with the ransom demand, reported mistreatment and security risks adding urgency to calls for their safe return.