NigeriaKidnappers Reduce Ransom Demand
Abductors of 20 prospective NYSC members lower demand to N100m, victims allegedly beaten. Parents appeal for government intervention to rescue their children.
Global Newsflix 2 min readKidnappers holding 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members have reduced their ransom demand from N1bn to N100m. The abductors initially demanded N50m per victim, but have now lowered the amount to N5m each.
The victims were abducted on Thursday while travelling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. They were attacked by gunmen on the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State.
One of the affected parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande, said the abductors had subjected the victims to physical assault since Friday. She appealed to the government to assist in rescuing the victims.
The parents of the abducted graduates have released the names of some of the victims, including Makinde Mary Oluwapelumi, Akande Kehinde Morufat, and Abdul Temiloluwa Sarah.
The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, had confirmed the initial N50m ransom demand per victim. The parents disputed claims that 10 passengers were rescued by security operatives after the attack.
The situation has been described as horrible, scary, and overwhelming by Alhaja Akande. She said the families were anxious about the safety of their children and were appealing for urgent government intervention.
The police said they have located the kidnappers' camp, but it is mined with IEDs, making it difficult to launch a rescue operation.
Key facts
- 20 prospective NYSC members abducted on Thursday
- Ransom demand reduced from N1bn to N100m
- Victims allegedly beaten by kidnappers
- Parents appeal for government intervention
Three perspectives
Neutral
The situation is being closely monitored by the government and security agencies. The police are working to rescue the victims, but the presence of IEDs at the kidnappers' camp is a major challenge. The families of the abducted graduates are anxiously waiting for their safe return.
Positive
The reduction in the ransom demand is a positive development, and the government's intervention may lead to the safe release of the victims. The parents' appeal for help has sparked a sense of urgency and concern among the authorities.
Negative
The alleged beating of the victims is a disturbing development, and the use of IEDs by the kidnappers raises concerns about the safety of the rescue operation. The government's response to the crisis has been criticized by some, who argue that more should be done to prevent such incidents.
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