Kidnapped NYSC Members’ Parents Get Money Back As Family Reveals ₦6m Refund

The family of an abducted prospective member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State has confirmed that the ₦6 million contributed towards securing his release has been refunded.

Obasanjo Wahab, the victim’s father, disclosed that the money had been returned to the family, while expressing appreciation to the Imo State Government for its role in securing the freedom of the abducted prospective corps members.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the victim was among 20 prospective NYSC members abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway on October 1.

The incident prompted affected families to make financial contributions towards efforts to secure the victims’ release. Three representatives were reportedly selected from the families to participate in the process of seeking their freedom.

Obasanjo explained that one representative came from his family, adding that the individuals were tasked with engaging in efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted prospective corps members.

However, he said the families remained uncertain whether the representatives eventually handed any ransom money to the kidnappers before the victims were released.

According to him, the kidnappers had requested that representatives bring the ransom, but the abductors eventually released the victims after they could no longer keep them hostage.

The father also appealed to the public to move beyond the incident, urging people to appreciate the efforts of the Imo State Government in securing the victims’ freedom.

His wife, Alirat Wahab, who had earlier disclosed that the family contributed ₦6 million towards their son’s release, also confirmed that the money had been returned.

She explained that the representatives refunded the contributions to the affected families, stressing that every parent who made a financial contribution had received their money back.

The development has raised questions about whether any ransom was ultimately paid to the kidnappers, as the parents said they had no confirmation regarding the fate of the money during the negotiations.

Obasanjo maintained that the family was grateful for the safe return of the prospective corps members and called for appreciation of the state government’s intervention in the matter.