Family of Abducted NYSC Member Appeals to FG for Rescue

The family of a former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, identified as Dapo, has appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to rescue him and nine other persons abducted along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road in Ogun State.

Dapo’s sister, Abigeal, said the victims were kidnapped on Tuesday shortly after leaving Ijebu-Ode for Ibadan, where her brother was returning after completing his national service in Edo State.

She explained that Dapo had completed his Passing Out Parade the previous week and was providing updates about his journey until he encountered traffic on the road. He subsequently sent videos showing the traffic situation, which turned out to be the last communication his family received from him before his disappearance.

According to her, the family learnt about the abduction around 7pm when one of the victims escaped and informed another family member that their bus had been attacked and the occupants taken away.

Abigeal said the matter was immediately reported to the police, while security operatives and local vigilantes launched a search operation in the surrounding bush.

She disclosed that the kidnappers later contacted the family using Dapo’s phone and initially demanded ₦20m for his release before increasing the ransom to ₦25m.

The abductors reportedly gave the family a 24-hour deadline to pay the amount, which Abigeal said they could not afford.

She added that the family briefly heard Dapo's voice during one of the calls, when he greeted his mother, but the kidnappers took the phone and communicated their ransom demand.

The family said the victims had spent two nights in captivity and appealed for urgent intervention to prevent further harm.

Abigeal also disclosed that the vehicle used for the journey had been recovered alongside the passengers' belongings, which were handed over to the families by the police.

Recounting the attack, the corps member who escaped said the driver suddenly diverted from the main road onto a bush path after encountering traffic. He said the passengers noticed armed men as the vehicle moved further into the bush, after which the attackers opened fire and took the occupants away.

However, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that some persons were abducted along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan corridor but disputed claims that corps members were among the victims.

He said the police were investigating the incident and working to address the abduction.