Deep grief and panic gripped families on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as parents of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Imo State converged on the private residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Bodija, Ibadan, pleading for his urgent intervention.
The prospective corps members were intercepted and abducted on Thursday, October 1, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, while travelling in two commercial buses from Ibadan to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.
Speaking on behalf of the distraught parents during the Saturday visit, Alhaja Halima Akande and Mr. Oyebola Michael Akande recounted their ordeal and stated that the kidnappers had contacted them with a 24-hour ultimatum to pay a ₦1 billion ransom—demanding ₦50 million per victim, or risk having their children killed.
”They have been calling us since Friday with a demand for ₦50 million ransom each,” the spokespersons pleaded. “They are threatening that anything untoward will happen to our children if we fail to heed their request. There is no way we can raise such an amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children.”
The parents also expressed frustration toward transport management, noting that Eduak King Transport Company in Samonda, Ibadan, allegedly declined to provide passenger manifests and next-of-kin contacts needed to reach other affected families.
Oba Rashidi Ladoja received the delegation alongside key officials, including the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri III. Assuring the families, the royal father affirmed that the government and law enforcement were actively working on the situation.
”I want to assure you that your children will be rescued unharmed,” Oba Ladoja told the parents. “The police are working round the clock to secure their release. Don’t worry yourself; the police are up to the task.”
In response to the incident, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu ordered the immediate deployment of Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations) DIG Shehu Nadada alongside senior police commissioners to Imo State to lead tactical search-and-rescue efforts.
Security forces confirmed locating the abductors’ camp via drone surveillance; however, direct assault plans were carefully coordinated due to intelligence indicating the perimeter had been rigged with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Tactical units equipped with heavy clearance vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were prepared to execute the rescue operation safely.
