Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The mother of one of the prospective National Youth Service Corps members recently freed after being abducted along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway says her family paid ₦6 million to secure her son’s release.
The woman, whose name was not disclosed, made the disclosure during an interview with News Central Television on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, following the release of the abducted corps members.
She said the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million for each victim before eventually reducing the amount demanded from her family to ₦6 million.
According to her, the family initially told the abductors that they could only raise about ₦5.5 million, but the kidnappers insisted on ₦6 million.
She said representatives of the affected families were subsequently instructed to meet the abductors, who directed them to transfer the money and later convert it to dollars.
The woman said her husband and elder son were among those who went to deliver the ransom.
She said her family was informed that the money had been handed over and that her son had been released. She later spoke with him and confirmed that he was free.
The prospective corps members were abducted in the early hours of October 1, 2026, after gunmen attacked two buses travelling along the Owerri–Onitsha route.
Police authorities had confirmed the abduction and launched search-and-rescue operations, while security agencies subsequently intensified efforts to locate the victims.
The Nigeria Police Force later announced that the victims were rescued on October 7 at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Imo State following a joint operation involving the police, military and Department of State Services.
The victims were subsequently taken for medical assessment and necessary care.
The mother’s account of the ₦6 million payment has not been independently confirmed by the security agencies, which announced the rescue without publicly stating that ransom was paid.
The development comes amid renewed concern over the security of major highways in the South-East and the safety of travellers using the routes.
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