By Rauf Mujeeb
The abductors holding 20 prospective corps members have reportedly reduced their ransom demand from the initial N50 million to N5 million.
This was disclosed in a video obtained by IndyPress on X on Monday, October 5, 2026, in which a family member of one of the victims recounted the ongoing negotiations with the abductors.
Recall that IndyPress had earlier reported the abduction of 20 prospective corps members who were travelling to Akwa Ibom State and Abia for their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation programme.
Speaking about the latest development in the negotiation, a victim’s mother expressed anguish over the amount demanded for the release of her son.
“Wọ́n ti sọkalẹ̀ sí N5 million, ó di N5 million báyìí o. N50 million náà lẹ́kọ́ ni wọ́n bẹ̀rẹ̀, ṣùgbọ́n wọ́n ti sọkalẹ̀ sí N5 million báyìí. Ẹ jọ̀wọ́, ẹ gbà mí, ẹ ṣàánú mí o!”
[“They have brought it down to N5 million, it is N5 million now. They initially demanded N50 million, but they have brought it down to N5 million now. Please, help me, have mercy on me!”]
This update comes amid ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release and the earlier report of the abduction.
