Gunmen who abducted members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kogi State have reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦20 million for each of the victims still being held captive.
The corps members were among 15 NYSC members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing their three-week orientation exercise when the attackers reportedly intercepted their vehicles along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
A family member of one of the victims disclosed that the kidnappers had contacted relatives and communicated the ransom demand.
According to the family member, one of the victims was abducted while returning from the NYSC orientation camp in Bayelsa State, with the kidnappers reportedly demanding ₦20 million for her release.
The development comes days after the Kogi State Police Command confirmed the abduction of passengers, including NYSC members, along the route.
The police later announced that 11 abducted persons had been rescued during a joint security operation. The rescued victims reportedly included the drivers of the two vehicles involved in the incident.
Security agencies are continuing efforts to locate those still in captivity and apprehend the suspected kidnappers.
The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of major highways in Kogi State, particularly routes connecting the northern and southern parts of the country.
Families of the remaining victims have appealed to the Federal Government, NYSC management and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release.
Relatives are particularly concerned about the reported ransom demand and the safety of those still being held as security agencies continue their operations in the area.
The incident has also renewed attention on the security challenges confronting NYSC members, who often travel long distances between their places of deployment, orientation camps and permanent residences.
The latest abduction is another security incident along a highway corridor in Kogi State, where forested areas and isolated stretches of road have previously been vulnerable to attacks and kidnappings.
Security experts have repeatedly stressed the need for improved highway surveillance, intelligence-led operations and stronger cooperation between security agencies and local communities to tackle highway kidnappings.
The development also comes amid wider concerns over insecurity across Nigeria and growing calls for stronger measures to protect commuters and other road users.
Although 11 people have reportedly been rescued, some of the corps members and other passengers remain in captivity, according to the latest information available.
The reported ransom demand has added urgency to ongoing efforts to locate the remaining victims and secure their release.
Families of the abducted corps members are appealing for swift action from the relevant authorities, hoping that those still in captivity will be rescued and safely reunited with their loved ones.
