Gunmen who abducted members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kogi State have reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦20 million for each of the victims still being held captive.
The corps members were among 15 NYSC members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing their three-week orientation exercise when the attackers reportedly intercepted their vehicles along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
A family member of one of the victims disclosed that the kidnappers had contacted relatives and communicated the ransom demand.
“One of our daughters was kidnapped on her way from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing the three-week orientation camp. The kidnappers are requesting N20 million,” the family member said.
11 Abducted Passengers Rescued
The latest development comes days after the Kogi State Police Command confirmed the abduction of passengers, including NYSC members, along the route.
According to the police, 11 abducted persons, including the drivers of the two vehicles involved in the incident, were rescued during a joint security operation.
The command said security agencies were continuing efforts to locate and rescue those still in captivity and apprehend the perpetrators.
The development has heightened concerns over the safety of major highways in Kogi State, particularly routes linking the northern and southern parts of the country.
Families Seek Government Intervention
Families of some of the victims have appealed to the Federal Government, NYSC management and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining corps members and other passengers still being held.
The families are particularly concerned about the reported ransom demand and the safety of the victims as security agencies continue their operations in the area.
The incident has also renewed attention on the security challenges confronting corps members who often travel long distances between their places of deployment, orientation camps and permanent residences.
Kogi Highway Kidnapping Raises Fresh Security Concerns
The abduction is the latest security incident reported along a highway corridor in Kogi State, where forested areas and long stretches of road have previously been vulnerable to attacks and kidnappings.
Security experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of intelligence-led operations, improved highway surveillance and stronger cooperation between security agencies and communities in tackling highway kidnappings.
The Bureau Journal recently reported the killing of Kogi APC chairman Ishaq Yunusa and the abduction of another occupant of his vehicle along the Itobe-Ochadamu Expressway, highlighting the continuing security concerns around parts of the state.
The latest incident also comes against the backdrop of wider concerns over insecurity across Nigeria and calls for stronger government action to protect lives and property.
NYSC Members Remain in Captivity
While 11 people have reportedly been rescued, some of the corps members and other passengers remain in captivity, according to the latest information available.
The reported ransom demand has added another layer of urgency to efforts to secure their release.
The Bureau Journal will continue to follow developments as security agencies work to locate the remaining victims and establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
For now, families of the abducted corps members are calling for swift action to ensure that those still in captivity return home safely.
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