The mother of one of the prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State has disclosed that her family paid ₦6 million to secure her son’s release after kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million.
Alirat Wahab made the revelation during an interview with News Central Television, explaining that her family struggled to raise the ransom amid the desperate efforts to bring their son home safely.
According to her, the abductors initially demanded ₦50 million for each victim. When the family pleaded for a reduction, they were reportedly asked to pay ₦15 million before negotiations eventually brought the amount down to ₦6 million.
Wahab said her husband and elder son travelled to Ibadan to facilitate the ransom payment on behalf of the family. She later received confirmation that the money had been delivered and her son released, allowing her to speak with him.
Recounting the emotional and physical toll of the ordeal, she said she suffered sleeplessness and persistent stomach distress throughout the period her son was held captive. She described feeling immense relief when she learnt of his release.
The disclosure comes after security agencies announced the rescue of the abducted prospective corps members, who were travelling from Ibadan to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when their buses were attacked in Imo State.
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The incident sparked widespread concern over the safety of young graduates travelling to begin their mandatory national service.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, had earlier disclosed that security operatives used drone surveillance to locate the kidnappers’ camp. However, operations were reportedly complicated by intelligence indicating that the area had been planted with improvised explosive devices.
On Wednesday, the Nigeria Police Force announced that the remaining 20 prospective corps members had been rescued at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State during a joint operation involving the police, military and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The rescued victims were taken for medical assessment and necessary care, while investigations continued to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
The mother’s account has renewed concerns about the financial and emotional burden kidnapping places on families, as well as the security challenges facing Nigerians travelling across states.
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