Mother Of Freed NYSC Member Reveals How Much Family Paid As Ransom For His Release

According to reports by Vanguard on October 8, 2026, the mother of a freed prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member has revealed that her family paid ₦6 million after abductors demanded a ransom for her son’s release.

The prospective corps members were abducted on October 1 after gunmen attacked two buses travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway. Twenty victims were later rescued in Imo State following a joint security operation.

Speaking to News Central Television, the mother said the abductors initially demanded ₦50 million for each victim. According to her, the family repeatedly pleaded with them to accept a lower amount because they could not afford the demand.

She said the kidnappers later contacted the family and requested ₦15 million, but the family told them they could only raise ₦5.5 million.

“They said no and insisted on ₦6 million. So, it’s that ₦6 million we paid,” she said.

The woman explained that the victims’ families were instructed to send representatives to meet the abductors in Ibadan. Her husband and her son’s elder brother were among those who went to the meeting.

According to her account, the representatives were instructed to transfer the money and later convert it to dollars after reaching Imo State.

She said her elder son was among those who eventually delivered the money and later contacted the family to confirm that his brother had been released.

The mother said the ordeal had a serious emotional impact on her, adding that she could not sleep while her son remained in captivity. She described his release as a major relief after days of uncertainty.

The Nigeria Police Force, however, said the 20 prospective corps members were rescued on October 7 at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State following sustained search-and-rescue operations involving the police, military and Department of State Services.

The victims were subsequently taken for medical assessment and necessary care, according to the police.

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