Families of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have been thrown into despair as kidnappers have issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding a staggering N1 billion for their release. This alarming development was made public on October 3, 2026, during a visit by the families to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Oyo State.

The victims were reportedly traveling from Ibadan to their orientation camps when armed men ambushed two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, on October 1. The kidnappers have demanded N50 million for each victim and have been making threats against the safety of the hostages, which has left the families in a state of panic.

Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande, speaking on behalf of the affected families, revealed that the kidnappers have been contacting them using the mobile phones of the victims. They expressed their desperation, stating, "There is no way we can raise such an amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don't let them kill our children."

In response to the crisis, the families sought the intervention of local authorities, including the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, who attended the meeting with the Olubadan. Abimbola assured the families that the police were actively working to secure the safe release of the victims. He stated, "I had already contacted Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of the incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt."

The police have confirmed that drones were deployed to locate the suspected camp of the kidnappers, but plans for a rescue operation have been complicated by the presence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the area. The Defence Headquarters has acknowledged the abduction of the 20 passengers from the buses and is coordinating efforts to ensure their safe return.

Oba Ladoja, during the meeting, urged the families to remain calm, promising that efforts were underway to bring their children home safely. He reassured them that police were committed to the task and would provide updates as they became available.

As the clock ticks on the ultimatum, the families remain hopeful for the safe return of their loved ones, while the authorities continue to navigate the complexities of the situation amid rising concerns over the safety of the victims.