A mother of one of the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State has disclosed that she paid N6 million to secure her son’s release from his captors.
The victims were abducted on October 1 after gunmen attacked two 18-seater buses conveying prospective corps members along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway after they left Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking in an interview with News Central Television on Wednesday, the woman, whose identity was not disclosed, said the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million for each victim before eventually reducing the ransom demanded from her family.
She said the abductors first insisted on N50 million per person, but after days of negotiations, they later demanded N15 million from her family.
According to the woman, the family continued pleading with the kidnappers and explained that they could not afford the amount. She said the abductors eventually agreed to accept N6 million.
The mother further disclosed that representatives of the victims’ families were instructed to meet the kidnappers in Ibadan to facilitate the ransom payment.
She said her elder son was among those who went to deliver the money, adding that the family was later informed that her son had been released. She also said she was able to speak with him after his freedom.
Recounting the ordeal, the mother said the abduction caused her severe emotional distress and deprived her of sleep throughout the period her son was held captive. She expressed relief after receiving confirmation of his release.
