Parents of some of 20 prospective members of Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway said ransom money contributed for their release has been returned after they regained freedom.
The victims were kidnapped on Oct. 1 when gunmen attacked two 18-seater buses travelling from Ibadan, in Oyo State, to Anambra State.
The abductors initially demanded 1 billion naira, before reportedly reducing the demand to 5 million naira per victim, putting the total at 100 million naira.
After seven days in captivity, the 20 prospective corps members were rescued in Amakohia Ubi village, Imo State, during a joint operation involving the police, military and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Speaking after her son’s release, a parent identified as Alirat Wahab told News Central that her family had contributed 6 million naira towards securing his freedom.
Her husband, Obasanjo, said in a subsequent interview that it was unclear whether community representatives sent to negotiate had handed over the ransom.
He said families later received refunds of the money contributed, including the 6 million naira provided by his family.
“They went to look for the kidnapped corps members to see whether they would be freed or not,” he said. “The kidnappers had asked for representatives to bring the ransom. Since they could no longer hold the corps members hostage, they let them go.”
When asked if any ransom was eventually paid, he said, “we don’t know.”
He declined to say who returned the money or how the refund was made.
“You know what, let’s forget the matter and just appeal to the Imo state government. We should be grateful to them,” he said. “The money has been returned. We just want to thank Imo for a job well done.”
Alirat also confirmed the refund, saying, “They returned it to those who went to represent us. Every parent has received their money back.”
Police authorities in Imo State have not commented on whether any ransom was paid before the joint security operation that led to the rescue.