Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states remain in captivity after gunmen attacked their two buses on the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State on Thursday, October 1.
Their abductors have demanded N50 million for each victim — a total of about N1 billion — and given the families a 24-hour deadline, parents disclosed on Saturday when they visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his Bodija residence. They were accompanied by Oyo State Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Abimbola and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.
Speaking through Alhaja Halima Akande and Mr Oyebola Michael Akande, the parents said the kidnappers have been calling them on the victims’ phones since Friday, issuing threats. “There is no way we can raise such an amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” they pleaded.
Oba Ladoja assured the families that their children would be rescued unharmed, noting that the police were working round the clock. CP Abimbola confirmed he had been in constant contact with his Imo counterpart and received assurances of a safe rescue.
Meanwhile, Imo State Police Commissioner Audu Garba Bosso said security operatives have identified the suspected camp using drones after trailing the abductors into the bush on Friday. However, they have delayed a full assault because intelligence indicates the location may be mined with improvised explosive devices.
“We are preparing to move in with bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers to rescue the victims unhurt,” Bosso said.
In a further escalation of the response, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of Operations, DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, together with two Commissioners of Police to Imo State. Nadada immediately conducted an on-the-spot assessment, reviewed deployments, and directed intensified, intelligence-led operations supported by additional tactical teams and assets.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, said the police remain committed to securing the safe release of the 20 victims and will continue the operation until they are freed. Members of the public with useful information have been urged to contact the police, with assurances of confidentiality.
The incident has also drawn comment from the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation, which called for stronger inter-agency coordination and intelligence-led operations to better protect travellers on major highways.
