The families of ten individuals, including nine members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and their driver, are in distress after the group was kidnapped along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan road in Ogun State. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N25 million, threatening a deadline for payment by Thursday.

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when the victims were traveling back to Ibadan after a passing-out ceremony for the corps members. One of the victims, identified as Dapo, had just completed his national service in Edo State the previous week. His sister, Abigeal, reported that Dapo had been in contact with the family until he sent a video showing traffic on the road, which turned out to be the last communication they received from him.

Abigeal recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the family learned of the abduction after one of the corps members managed to escape and inform them shortly after 7pm. She described the family's panic and helplessness, especially as they do not have the means to meet the kidnappers' ransom demand.

The police and local vigilantes initiated a search operation in the surrounding forest shortly after the incident, but the family expressed frustration over the lack of progress. They visited the Ijebu-Ode Police Station to report the abduction but were met with little information. The situation escalated when the kidnappers called the family using Dapo's mobile phone, initially demanding N20 million before increasing the ransom to N25 million during a subsequent call. The kidnappers warned that the ransom must be paid by Thursday, leaving the families in a state of desperation.

Abigeal revealed that during the calls, the kidnappers made it clear that they were unyielding, stating, "Shebi na cry you wan cry, they cry, they go," before abruptly ending the conversation. The family has since taken to social media to solicit financial assistance and raise awareness about the plight of the abducted individuals.

The circumstances surrounding the attack have raised concerns, particularly as reports indicate that the driver diverted from the main road into a bush path, ignoring passengers' warnings. An escaped corps member shared details of the incident, describing how armed men emerged and attacked the bus shortly after the diversion, firing shots and taking the passengers captive. He identified the attackers as Fulani, although this claim has not been independently verified.

As the families continue to plead for government intervention, they are left to grapple with the uncertainty of their loved ones' fate. Abigeal emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "They have already spent two nights with the kidnappers, and we don’t even have the N25 million to raise. We need the government and security operatives to rescue them."

As of now, the victims remain in captivity, and the families are calling on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release before it is too late.