Families of the rescued 20 abducted National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, members have said that they paid millions of naira in ransom before learning of their release.
The families said they were forced to raise the money amid prolonged uncertainty over the safety of the corps members following their abduction.
According to News Central Television, some relatives paid more than N3 million, while others reportedly paid up to N6 million.
CSONews24 recalls that security agencies, including the military, Department of State Services, DSS, police and other security formations rescued the corps members and another hostage in Imo State on Wednesday.
Some of the rescued NYSC members also recounted the difficult experience, expressing relief after their eventual release.
“I paid as much as N3 million as ransom while I was hoping that nothing happened to my child. I ran helter-skelter to raise the money. I eventually got the money and sent someone to Imo State to deliver the ransom,” a mother of one of the corps members told News Central Television.
The development has renewed concerns over the security of corps members deployed to various parts of the country, particularly those serving in areas affected by kidnapping and other forms of insecurity.
The affected families appealed to the government and security agencies to strengthen measures to protect corps members and ensure that those responsible for their abduction are brought to justice.
A father, who spoke to News Central Television, said he paid N6 million for the release of his abducted son.
“We had to converge somewhere in Ibadan, Oyo State to put the money together. Some of us even changed the money to dollars and sent it to Imo State to meet whoever was coming to pick it.
“I am excited that my son is coming back. However, how do I repay the N6 million I borrowed? I’m just a farmer,” he said.
The incident also highlights the growing financial and emotional burden kidnapping places on families, who are often compelled to mobilise large sums of money to secure the release of loved ones.
