NYSC Abduction: Family Says ₦6m Ransom Was Paid as Imo Police Deny Knowledge

Fresh questions have emerged over the release of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State after a victim’s family claimed it paid a ₦6 million ransom, contradicting the police account of their rescue.

Alirat Wahab, the mother of one of the victims, told reporters that her family paid the kidnappers ₦6 million to secure her son’s freedom after an initial ransom demand of ₦50 million.

According to the family’s account, relatives pooled their resources and arranged the payment in Imo State while seeking the release of the abducted prospective corps member.

However, Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, said he was unaware of any ransom payment. He maintained that sustained pressure from security agencies forced the kidnappers to release the victims.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the release of the 20 prospective corps members and the role played by security operations in securing their freedom.

The victims were abducted on October 1 while travelling from Ibadan to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

Their release was announced on October 7 following a coordinated security operation. They were subsequently taken for medical attention.

While the police attributed the release to pressure from security agencies, the family’s account suggests that ransom payment may also have played a role in securing at least one victim’s freedom. The available accounts do not establish whether a ransom was paid for other victims.

The police commissioner said efforts to track down and arrest those responsible for the abduction were continuing.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of young Nigerians travelling to NYSC orientation camps and the circumstances surrounding the release of kidnapping victims.