Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The nightmare of 15 young Nigerians just starting their national service has taken a chilling turn. Gunmen who ambushed them on the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Kogi State have contacted their families and demanded a staggering N20 million ransom for each victim. That is a total of N300 million. For families who have already spent everything to get their children through school, the demand is a death sentence disguised as a negotiation.
The abduction happened on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The victims, members of the 2026 Batch 'B' Stream II, had just finished their three-week orientation at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. They were travelling to Abuja in two buses—a Peace Mass Transit Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus—when the attackers struck at about 4:40 p.m. near Ogene Zaria, close to the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction.
The gunmen reportedly hid in the bush, blocked the two buses, and opened fire. One driver was killed. The attackers then dragged 15 corps members into the bush, leaving others to scatter in panic. A source told Daily Trust that the kidnappers had called the family of one of the abducted girls and made their demand. "One of our daughters who was kidnapped on her way from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing three weeks orientation camp. The kidnappers are requesting N20 million naira," the source said.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the abduction on Friday, August 28. The police spokesperson, ASP Salisu Oyiza Afusat, said officers had already rescued 11 people, including the drivers of the two buses, during a joint security operation. Those rescued were debriefed and allowed to continue their journeys. But the rest—the 15 corps members—are still missing.
The police said they have deployed all available operational and intelligence resources to secure the release of the remaining victims. But for families, the wait is unbearable. One woman, Chidimma, posted a viral video begging the government and Nigerians to help rescue her sister, who was among those abducted. Her sister had been posted to Niger State for her primary assignment and was passing through Abuja. The driver was killed, and she was taken into the bush.
Another family member, Chisom Ede, also confirmed his sister was among the victims and called on the NYSC, the Federal Government, and security agencies to act fast.
On Sunday, August 30, The Sun and Daily Trust newspapers reported that the kidnappers had officially demanded N20 million for each victim. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria condemned the abduction, calling it "unacceptable" and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all the corps members. HURIWA also questioned why young Nigerians serving their country are still being kidnapped on highways without an effective system to protect them.
This is not the first time corps members have been targeted. And if the government does not act, it will not be the last. The NYSC scheme, already under pressure, is now being tested by the brutal reality of Nigeria's insecurity. The question is not whether the families can pay N300 million—they cannot. The question is whether the government will save its children before they become another forgotten statistic.
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