The abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State has taken a troubling turn, with the victims’ parents accusing the police of giving a wrong account of the number of people rescued from the kidnappers.
The families have rejected the police claim that 10 passengers were rescued after gunmen attacked two buses conveying graduates from Ibadan to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
According to the parents, the 10 persons described as “rescued” by the security agencies actually escaped from the kidnappers during the attack and fled into the bush.
They insisted that about 20 prospective corps members remained in captivity as of Saturday.
The dispute has raised fresh questions about the actual number of people abducted and the circumstances surrounding those said to have been rescued.
The attack occurred on Thursday along the Owerri-Onitsha Road around Umunoha, Imo State, after gunmen reportedly intercepted the two buses.
The Imo State Police Command had announced that 10 victims were rescued following the intervention of security agencies, while the exact number of abducted passengers was still being established.
The Defence Headquarters later stated that 20 passengers were abducted and 10 people, including eight prospective corps members, were rescued.
But the parents have now challenged that account.
Speaking during a visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan, Alhaja Alimot Akande and Oyebola Akande said 30 people were travelling in the two buses.
They claimed 10 passengers escaped into the bush while the remaining 20 were seized by the kidnappers.
The families also accused the transport company of refusing to give them access to the full passenger manifest, saying the document eventually produced did not contain the names of some of the affected graduates.
They further demanded access to the drivers who reportedly escaped the attack but said the request was not granted.
The controversy comes as security agencies say they have located the suspected kidnappers’ hideout but are being prevented from launching an immediate assault because of an alleged explosive threat.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, said operatives tracked the kidnappers into the bush and deployed drones which eventually pinpointed the suspected camp.
However, he said intelligence indicated that the location had been planted with improvised explosive devices.
The police commissioner said security forces were preparing to move into the area with bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers in an attempt to rescue the victims safely.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye also said security operatives were closing in on the kidnappers.
Meanwhile, the parents are facing another source of anguish — an alleged ransom demand of N50 million for each captive.
The families said the kidnappers had contacted them using the phones of some of the abducted graduates and issued a 24-hour deadline, threatening the victims if the money was not paid.
The demand, according to the parents, would amount to N1 billion if 20 people are being held.
The families have appealed to the Oyo State Government, security agencies and traditional rulers to urgently intervene.
With the parents disputing the official rescue account and security agencies yet to storm the suspected hideout because of the alleged IED threat, the fate and exact number of the abducted graduates remain at the centre of the crisis.
Don’t Miss Out! Join our WhatsApp Channel for instant news updates. Click here to join
