Distraught parents of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted en route to orientation camps converged on the private residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Saturday, begging for emergency intervention after abductors demanded a collective ransom of N1 billion.
The victims, all recent graduates who departed Ibadan, were intercepted and seized by armed gunmen on Thursday along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway around Umunoha, Imo State.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation at the monarch's Bodija residence in Ibadan, Alhaja Halima Akande and Oyebola Michael Akande disclosed that the abductors issued a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding N50 million for each hostage under threat of execution.
"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," the parents lamented. "There is no way we can raise such an amount at this time. Baba, kindly assist us. Don't let them kill our children".
Oba Ladoja, alongside the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri III, received the grieving families and assured them that coordinated state apparatuses were actively working toward an unconditional rescue.
"Fortunately, the Oyo CP is here. He would brief you," the Olubadan told the distraught gathering, urging the families to remain composed while the security agencies carry out their duties.
CP Abimbola assured the families that law enforcement would not relent until all hostages return safely, emphasising that operational intelligence was in motion across state commands.
"I want to assure you that your children will be rescued unharmed," Abimbola said. "The police are working round the clock to secure their rescue. Don’t worry yourself; the police are up to the task, and nothing will happen to your children".
The meeting came as Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu ordered the deployment of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Nadada, alongside tactical teams to Imo State to spearhead the tactical rescue of the corps members and other seized passengers.
