Mother Reveals N6m Ransom Paid To Free Abducted NYSC Member

The mother of one of the recently released prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State has revealed that she paid N6 million to secure her son’s release.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the prospective corps members were abducted on October 1 after gunmen attacked two buses travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, toward the South-East and South-South regions. The incident occurred along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.

The mother disclosed in an interview on Wednesday, October 7, that the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million for each victim before eventually agreeing to accept N6 million for her son.

She explained that the initial demand was reduced after prolonged negotiations, with the family pleading with the abductors to accept the amount they could afford.

According to her account, the kidnappers initially insisted on N50 million per person and later demanded N15 million. The family told them they could only raise about N5.5 million, after which the abductors eventually settled for N6 million.

The woman said families of the abducted prospective corps members were instructed to send representatives to meet with the kidnappers in Ibadan as part of arrangements for the ransom payment.

She disclosed that her husband and her elder son were among those who went to the designated meeting point, where they were instructed to transfer the ransom into an account.

She further alleged that the abductors directed the families to convert the money into dollars after reaching Imo State.

The woman said her elder son was among those who delivered the ransom and later contacted the family to confirm that the payment had been made and that her abducted son had been released.

She said the family subsequently spoke with the freed NYSC member, confirming that he was safe after the ordeal.

The mother also recounted the emotional toll the abduction had taken on her, saying she struggled to sleep and experienced serious distress throughout the period her son was held captive.

She expressed relief after receiving confirmation of his release, describing the moment as one that brought an enormous sense of freedom and comfort after days of anxiety.

The prospective corps members had reportedly been travelling to their respective orientation camps when the buses were attacked, triggering concern among their families and the wider public.