Kogi Abduction: Gunmen demand N20m ransom per NYSC member

Gunmen who abducted members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, have reportedly demanded N20 million ransom for each of the victims still in captivity.

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 disclosed that the kidnappers had contacted relatives and communicated their ransom demand.

“One of our daughters was kidnapped on her way from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing the three-week orientation camp. The kidnappers are requesting N20 million,” the source said.

The development comes days after the Kogi State Police Command spokesperson ASP Salisu Oyiza Afusat, confirmed the abduction of passengers, including NYSC members, along the route.

According to the police, 11 abducted persons, including the drivers of the two vehicles involved, were rescued during a joint security operation, while efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue those still being held by the kidnappers.

Meanwhile, families of some of the victims have appealed to the Federal Government, the NYSC management and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining corps members and other passengers still in captivity.