Kidnappers who abducted some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja have reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦20 million for each victim.

CEOAFRICA had reported that 15 corps members returning to Abuja after completing their three-week orientation exercise in Bayelsa State were abducted along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

A family member of one of the victims told Daily Trust that the abductors had contacted the family and demanded ₦20 million for the release of their daughter.

“One of our daughters was kidnapped on her way from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing three weeks in the orientation camp. The kidnappers are requesting ₦20 million,” the family source was quoted as saying.

The latest development has heightened concerns over the fate of the corps members and other passengers still believed to be in captivity.

The Kogi State Police Command had earlier confirmed the abduction of passengers, including NYSC members, along the route.

The command said 11 abducted persons, including the drivers of the two vehicles involved in the incident, had been rescued following a joint operation involving security personnel.

It, however, said efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue those still in captivity.

Meanwhile, families of the affected corps members have appealed to the Federal Government, the NYSC management and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe and immediate release of the remaining victims.

The families also urged the authorities to strengthen security along major routes used by corps members returning from orientation camps across the country.