Families of 20 NYSC members debunk FG’s rescue claim, reveal ransom payment to kidnappers
By Mercy Ajekigbe
Families of the rescued 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have revealed that they paid millions of naira in ransom to secure their wards’ release.
The corps members, who were abducted on October 1, 2026 along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway, reportedly spent six days in the kidnappers’ custody before they were released on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Speaking with News Central Television, some relatives disclosed that they paid ransom of up to N6 million prior to their release.
“I paid as much as N3 million as ransom while I was hoping that nothing happened to my child. I ran helter-skelter to raise the money. I eventually got the money and sent someone to Imo State to deliver the ransom,” the mother of one of the corps members said.
The father of another abducted corps member said he paid N6 million for his son’s release.
“We had to converge somewhere in Ibadan, Oyo State, to put the money together. Some of us even changed the money to dollars and sent it to Imo State to meet whoever was coming to pick it.
“I am excited that my son is coming back. However, how do I repay the N6 million I borrowed? I’m just a farmer,” he lamented.
However, in an official statement shared on its X account, the Nigeria Police Force disclosed that although the youths were rescued, efforts were still ongoing to arrest those in connection with the abduction.
The development has sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians questioning the circumstances surrounding the release and calling for greater transparency and accountability from the security agencies.
One X user, @theveritasbrand, wrote: “Nobody arrested! No evidence from the rescue operation!! Police went to collect victims from a rally point after ransom was paid…and this is the definition of rescue in Nigeria!!! Shame!!!”
Another user, @akinkuolie-odun, wrote: “Ransom was paid. Kidnappers contacted families, spoke with them, families organized themselves and paid ransom to get their wards after several threats. Some volunteered to drop it and got those guys out. If Nigeria has not happened to you, you will believe every shit.”
