Gunmen who abducted members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kogi State have reportedly demanded N20 million ransom for each victim.
The corps members were among 15 NYSC members 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 abductors had contacted the family and demanded N20 million for the release of their relative.
The family source said, “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 development followed the confirmation by the Kogi State Police Command that some passengers, including NYSC members, were abducted along the route.
The police had disclosed that 11 victims, including the drivers of the two vehicles involved, were rescued during a joint operation by security personnel, while efforts continued to locate and rescue those still in captivity.
Families of the remaining victims have appealed to the Federal Government, the NYSC and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the corps members still being held by the abductors.