Abducted Akwa Ibom Corps Members’ Families Fearful as Abductors Demand N70 Million Ransom

Tension has gripped the parents and relatives of the prospective corps members from Akwa Ibom State, who were abducted on August 17, 2023, while en route to the orientation camp in Sokoto State. The abductors, who have held the victims in the Zamfara bush for over 100 days, are now demanding a staggering N10 million from each family, threatening dire consequences if the ransom is not paid soon.

Mr. Mfon Friday, a family member of one of the victims, revealed that a total sum of N30.8 million has already been paid to the abductors. He expressed frustration over the relentless ordeal the parents are facing, emphasizing that despite previous payments of N13.6 million and an additional N17.2 million at the end of October, the children were not released.

Friday conveyed the distressing situation, stating, “Our children are still in Zamfara bush, including the AKTC driver, and it is over 100 days since they were kidnapped. The kidnappers demanded an additional N70 million on Monday, threatening to leave the children to die if the ransom is not paid soon.”

He criticized the escalating demands, noting, “They want the parents to pay N10 million each, and those children are not from rich families. The government must intervene to save the lives of these young graduates. We are appealing for urgent help from every well-meaning citizen to prevent a tragic outcome.”

A sibling of one of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity after a meeting of the affected families in Uyo on Tuesday, disclosed that the N17.2 million ransom paid earlier was for the release of female victims who were reportedly seriously ill. The remaining seven victims are said to be in deteriorating health, amplifying the urgency of the situation.

“I am scared; I don’t want my sister to die. We are orphans, and we struggled to go to school,” the concerned sibling lamented. The families are pleading for immediate assistance to ensure the safe return of their abducted children.