Families of nine National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and a driver have appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to secure their release after they were abducted along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan road in Ogun State.
The kidnappers have reportedly demanded ₦25 million for the release of the 10 victims and issued a Thursday deadline for payment, leaving their relatives distressed over their safety and the difficulty of raising the money.
The victims were reportedly abducted on Tuesday evening while travelling from Ijebu-Ode towards Ibadan. Their families said they had been in captivity for two nights as of Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Family Raises Alarm Over Abduction
One of the victims, identified as Dapo, had recently completed his national service in Edo State and was travelling back to Ibadan when the incident occurred.
His sister, Abigeal, said he had been keeping the family informed about his journey until he sent videos showing traffic conditions on the road. That was reportedly the last communication they received from him before learning of the abduction.
According to her, the family learnt about the incident after one of the corps members escaped and contacted another relative shortly after 7pm on Tuesday.
The family subsequently visited the Ijebu-Ode Police Station to report the incident and seek assistance in locating the missing travellers.
Abigeal said the police and local vigilantes had begun searching the surrounding forest, but the family remained worried because the victims had not been rescued.
Ransom Increased From ₦20 Million to ₦25 Million
The victim’s sister disclosed that the kidnappers contacted the family using Dapo’s mobile phone and initially demanded ₦20 million.
She said the abductors called again at about 6.59pm on Wednesday and increased the demand to ₦25 million, warning that the money had to be paid by Thursday.
During one of the calls, the family reportedly heard Dapo’s voice before the kidnappers took over the conversation and stated their demands.
Abigeal said the family had pleaded with the abductors to reduce the ransom but was struggling to raise the amount.
She appealed to the government, security agencies and members of the public to intervene, stressing that the families could not afford the demanded sum.
Survivor Recounts How Attack Happened
A corps member who escaped the attack reportedly said the vehicle was travelling towards Ibadan after passing through Ijebu-Ode when the driver suddenly turned onto a bush path at about 7pm.
According to the survivor, passengers questioned the driver about the diversion, but he allegedly continued driving.
The survivor said armed men emerged shortly afterwards and attacked the occupants, firing repeatedly. He claimed that one person was shot during the incident while he escaped by hiding.
The account also indicated that some victims’ mobile phones were left inside the vehicle.
The survivor’s description of the attackers’ identities has not been independently verified.
Families Appeal for Urgent Rescue
Abigeal said the family recovered Dapo’s luggage and other belongings after the vehicle was found and taken to the police station. However, the whereabouts of her brother and the other abductees remained unknown at the time of the report.
The families have called on the Federal Government, the Ogun and Oyo State governments, the police and other security agencies to intensify search-and-rescue operations.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of travellers along major roads, particularly young graduates travelling to and from their places of national service.
For the affected families, the immediate priority is the safe return of the 10 victims, as they appeal for urgent intervention to prevent further harm.
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