Families Plead for Help After Kidnappers Demand N25 Million for Abducted Travellers

Families of ten travellers, including nine members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and their driver, are seeking help from the government and security agencies after they were kidnapped in Ogun State. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N25 million and set a deadline for payment.

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan road. One of the victims, Dapo, had just completed his national service in Edo State and was returning home when the attack happened. His sister, Abigeal, shared that the family was in distress, as they cannot afford the ransom.

Abigeal explained that Dapo had been updating the family about his journey until he sent a video showing traffic on the road. This was the last contact they had with him. They learned of the kidnapping when another corps member escaped and reached out to a family member.

After the attack, police and local vigilantes began searching the area but had not found any leads. Abigeal said that when they visited the police station for information, officers told them to remain calm as they continued their search.

Later, the kidnappers used Dapo’s phone to contact the family. They initially asked for N20 million but increased their demand to N25 million during a second call. They warned that the ransom must be paid by Thursday.

Abigeal expressed concern for the victims’ safety, as they have already spent two nights with the kidnappers. She called on the government and security agencies to take urgent action to rescue them.

A survivor of the attack described how the driver diverted into a bush path, ignoring passengers’ warnings. Armed men then attacked the vehicle, and the survivor managed to hide and escape. He confirmed that nine corps members and the driver were taken, bringing the total number of abducted individuals to ten.