Families of some of the 20 NYSC prospective corps members rescued in Imo State have revealed that they paid millions of naira in ransom before learning that their relatives had been released. Speaking to News Central Television, some relatives said they borrowed money and sought financial support to meet the demands of the abductors.
According to the families, some paid more than ₦3 million, while one father said he borrowed ₦6 million to secure his son’s freedom. The father said relatives gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State, to raise the money, with some converting their contributions to dollars before sending them to Imo State.
The corps members and another hostage were rescued on Wednesday in an operation involving the military, Department of State Services, police and other security agencies. While families expressed relief over the release of their loved ones, those who borrowed money said they are now left with significant debts to repay.
