Ibi Phillip, a recent graduate from Benue State University, has opened up about his terrifying experience of being kidnapped while en route to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Akure, Ondo State. The abduction occurred on September 30, 2026, when Phillip and 11 other passengers were taken hostage by armed men in Edo State.

Phillip was traveling on a bus operated by Benue Links Nigeria Limited when the driver was forced to stop. Armed men, some dressed in military camouflage, ordered the passengers to disembark and lie on the ground. The kidnappers collected their belongings, including phones and money, before taking them into the forest.

Reflecting on the moment he realized he had been kidnapped, Phillip described a wave of despair, saying, "When it dawned on me that I had been kidnapped, I almost gave up. I asked myself, 'God, why me?'" For nine days, he endured brutal treatment, including physical abuse and starvation. The captives were moved frequently, often sleeping on hard surfaces and without adequate food or water.

The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N15 million, which Phillip's family struggled to negotiate down. His father informed the kidnappers that he could only gather N700,000, leading to further torture and threats against Phillip. Eventually, the ransom was settled at N2 million, with varying amounts paid by other victims' families. One man reportedly paid N4 million after the kidnappers were misled into believing he was a doctor due to his attire.

After the ransom was paid, Phillip and the other captives were released on October 8, 2026. The kidnappers even distributed a small amount of the ransom money to the victims upon their release. Phillip reported the incident to the NYSC, but expressed frustration over the lack of immediate action from authorities, stating that both the Department of State Services and the Commissioner of Police were unaware of the abduction.

The trauma from the experience continues to haunt Phillip, who admits to feeling fear in situations that remind him of his captivity. He has been taking medication to cope with the psychological effects and urges others to remain vigilant when traveling, especially in unfamiliar areas. Phillip emphasized that behind every abduction are families enduring immense pain and suffering, and he expressed gratitude for his father’s efforts to secure his release.

As he begins to heal, Phillip's story serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria and the impact of kidnapping on individuals and their families.