By Ambrose Amos
The 20 prospective corps members abducted in Imo State have reportedly been allowed to choose any of the six South-West states for their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) postings following their release.
A parent said on Saturday that the survivors were given the option to continue their service with the current batch in their preferred South-West states.
“They have been given the opportunity to choose states in the South-West to continue their service with the current batch,” the parent said.
The parent also disclosed that each family paid ₦6m to secure the release of their relative, despite the kidnappers initially demanding ₦50m per victim.
Another survivor’s relative, Joy Zainab, confirmed that contributions from family members and well-wishers helped raise the ransom.
“Alhamdulillah, he has been released and is safe with us at home,” she said, thanking those who prayed, shared the story and provided financial assistance.
Alirat Wahab, the mother of another victim, previously revealed that the kidnappers reduced their demand from ₦50m to ₦15m before accepting ₦6m after negotiations with the family.
She explained that relatives were directed to send representatives to Ibadan, where an intermediary facilitated the transaction. The representatives were later instructed to convert the money to US dollars in Imo State.
The graduates were abducted on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha Road near Umunoha, Mbaitoli LGA, while travelling in two commercial buses operated by Uko Akwa Ibom Motors. They were reportedly heading to Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
Although the police announced their rescue on Wednesday, the families insisted that ransom payments secured their freedom.
Meanwhile, the NYSC has yet to officially confirm the reported South-West posting arrangement.
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