Gunmen who abducted members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kogi State have reportedly demanded a ransom of N20 million for each victim.
The 15 corps members were travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing their three-week orientation exercise when they were abducted along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
A family member of one of the victims told Daily Trust that the kidnappers had contacted the family and demanded N20 million for the release of the abducted corps member.
“One of our daughters who was kidnapped on her way from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing three weeks orientation camp. The kidnappers are requesting N20 million,” the family source said.
The development comes after the Kogi State Police Command confirmed the abduction of passengers, including NYSC members, travelling along the route.
The police had earlier reported that 11 abducted persons, including the drivers of the two vehicles involved in the incident, were rescued during a joint operation by security personnel.
However, efforts were still ongoing to locate and rescue those who remained in captivity.
The latest ransom demand has heightened concerns among the families of the victims, who have appealed to the Federal Government, NYSC authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the remaining corps members.
The identities and current whereabouts of the victims still in captivity have not been publicly disclosed.
