BREAKING: 20 prospective corps members abducted in transit regain freedom

20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camps in Abia State have regained their freedom, seven days after they were abducted in Imo State.

The graduates were kidnapped last Thursday when gunmen attacked two buses conveying them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, while they were travelling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps.

Their release was confirmed on Wednesday by Isiah Akpan, Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited.

The victims were reportedly held for seven days during which their abductors initially demanded N50 million for each person, translating to N1 billion for the 20 prospective corps members.

The kidnappers later reduced the demand to N5 million per victim, bringing the total ransom request to N100 million, although details surrounding their release were not immediately disclosed.

Following their rescue, the prospective corps members were taken to the Department of State Services Hospital in Owerri, where they are receiving medical attention and undergoing assessment.

The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, visited the victims at the hospital to assess their condition and offer support, accompanied by the Imo State commissioner of police, the DSS director and the commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade.

The development brings relief to the affected families and the NYSC community, as the authorities continue to assess the condition of the rescued graduates and provide the necessary support following their ordeal.