A prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ibi Philip, has recounted his traumatic experience after he and 11 other passengers were abducted by gunmen in Ibilo, Edo State, while travelling to the NYSC orientation camp in Akure, Ondo State.
Philip said the incident occurred on September 30, 2026, when their Benue Links bus was ambushed. The victims were reportedly taken to a forest in Kogi State, where they endured more than a week of captivity, harsh weather, hunger, threats and physical assault.
According to his account, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million as ransom before reducing the amount to ₦30 million, ₦20 million and eventually ₦10 million as negotiations with the victims’ families continued.
Philip disclosed that he was beaten after the kidnappers became angry when his father revealed that he had raised only ₦500,000. His father and other relatives reportedly made desperate efforts to raise money for the victims’ release, with some selling valuable belongings to contribute.
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He further narrated that the captives were given little food, forced to sleep on bare ground and rocks, and exposed to heavy rainfall for several days. At one point, a kidnapper allegedly accused him of being a police officer after examining his identity card and noticing that his residential address was opposite a police station.
After days of uncertainty and negotiations, the victims were released on October 8, following the payment of ransom by their families. Philip said the gang leader gave each captive ₦2,000 before instructing them to leave the area quickly.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Philip said his Christian faith, particularly Psalm 23:4, gave him strength during the frightening experience.
“I went through the valley, but the valley did not have the final say,” he said, expressing gratitude for surviving the ordeal.
His account has highlighted the dangers faced by travellers on Nigerian highways and the emotional and financial burden kidnapping places on victims and their families.
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