20 Freed NYSC Members May Choose South-West States For Posting After Imo Abduction

Twenty prospective corps members abducted in Imo State have reportedly been given the option of choosing any of the six South-West states for their National Youth Service Corps postings following their release.

According to Saturday PUNCH, a parent of one of the survivors said the graduates could continue their service with the current batch in their preferred states.

“They have been given the opportunity to choose states in the South-West to continue their service with the current batch,” the parent said.

The parent also claimed that each family paid ₦6 million to secure the release of their relative, despite the kidnappers initially demanding ₦50 million per victim.

Another relative, Joy Zainab, confirmed that family members and well-wishers contributed towards the ransom.

“Alhamdulillah, he has been released and is safe with us at home,” she said, thanking those who offered prayers and financial assistance.

Alirat Wahab, the mother of another victim, previously said the kidnappers reduced their demand from ₦50 million to ₦15 million before accepting ₦6 million following negotiations.

The graduates were abducted on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha Road near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area while travelling in two commercial buses operated by Uko Akwa Ibom Motors.

Although the police announced their rescue on Wednesday, the families maintained that ransom payments secured their freedom.

Imo State Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso said he was unaware of any ransom payment, attributing the release to sustained security pressure. Force Public Relations Officer CSP Anietie Iniedu also credited joint search-and-rescue operations by security agencies.

The survivors were taken to the Department of State Services hospital in Owerri for medical evaluation.

Meanwhile, the NYSC has yet to officially confirm the reported South-West posting arrangement.