Gunmen have given the grieving parents of the 20 kidnapped prospective National Youth Service Corps members, who were kidnapped on their way to the orientation camp in Abia State last Thursday, a 24-hour ultimatum to effect the payment of N1 billion.

The affected parents were requested to pay N1 billion each before the release of their children.

The affected parents made this known to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Oyo State Commissioner of Police during their visit to his Bodija residence on Saturday.

They have sought the timely intervention of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji.

The affected parents made the appeal during their visit to the Bodija residence of Oba Ladoja on Saturday.

They submitted that the gunmen contacted them using the mobile lines of the kidnapped prospective corps members.

The visit to the Olubadan’s residence, according to the grieving parents, was necessitated by the gunmen’s threat to deal decisively with the victims if the demand for the ransom is not met within 24 hours.

Speaking on behalf of other grieving parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande and Oyebola Michael Akande appealed to both Ladoja and CP Abimbola Ayodeji to come to their rescue by ensuring the timely release of their children.

“They have been calling us since yesterday with a demand for N50 million ransom each. 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 amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children.”

While addressing the parents, the Olubadan assured them that their children would be rescued unharmed.

He said: “I want to assure that your children would be rescued unharmed. We will relate whatever information we gather to you. The Police are working round the clock to secure their rescue. Don’t worry yourself, Police are up to the task, and nothing would happen to your children.”

Also speaking, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, said he had already contacted his counterpart in Imo State, and efforts are in top gear to secure their rescue.

He said: “I had already contacted Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of the incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt.” (Nigerian Tribune)

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