The family of Dapo, a recently discharged member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), is appealing for urgent assistance from the Federal Government and security agencies following his abduction along the Ijebu-Ode-Ibadan Road. Dapo was among ten corps members kidnapped on Tuesday as they traveled back to Ibadan after completing their service in Edo State.

Dapo's sister, Abigeal, recounted the harrowing details of the incident during a phone interview. She explained that the kidnapping occurred shortly after Dapo had sent a video update about traffic conditions on the road. "That was the last time we heard from him before he went missing," she said. The family learned about the kidnapping from another corps member who managed to escape from the attackers.

According to Abigeal, the kidnappers initially contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N20 million, which they later increased to N25 million with a strict deadline for payment. "We received a call from the kidnappers using my brother's phone. They said they would only release him and the others if we paid the ransom," she stated. The family is struggling to raise the money, as they do not have the required amount.

The police were notified immediately after the incident, and Abigeal mentioned that the police had recovered the victims' bus and luggage but had not yet returned with any news about the kidnapped corps members. "The police told us to be patient, but we are worried as they have already spent two nights in captivity," she added.

The escaped corps member shared a chilling account of the attack, stating that the bus driver inadvertently drove into a bush path while trying to avoid traffic. This decision led to the group being ambushed by armed assailants who opened fire. "I just hid inside the bus, and when I came to, I found myself alone in the bush," he recounted.

In a desperate plea, Abigeal urged the government and security operatives to take action, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "We need our brother back, and we need the other victims back. They have been in the bush for too long, and we are terrified for their safety," she said.

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that an abduction occurred along the Ijebu-Ode-Ibadan Road but denied that any corps members were among those taken. DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the police spokesperson, stated, "There was no abduction of 10 corps members. Some persons were abducted, and we are on it."

As the family continues to seek help, the situation remains tense, with the clock ticking on the kidnappers' ransom deadline. The community is rallying around the family, hoping for a swift resolution to this distressing incident.