Initially demanding a ransom of N50 million each, the abductors have now lowered their demand to N5 million per victim. The prospective corps members were seized last Thursday while en route from Ibadan to their orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states, with the incident taking place along the Owerri-Onitsha Road. Families have expressed deep concern, especially following claims from Alhaja Alimot Akande, a parent, who reported that the captives are being beaten, creating an atmosphere of fear and desperation.

In response to the crisis, the families have reached out for assistance, notably from the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and have engaged with local police, including Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola. Akande describes the experience as “horrible, scary and overwhelming,” particularly as information emerged about the violent treatment of victims at the hands of their captors. Despite the ransom’s reduction, the families remain anxious and uncertain about the situation’s outcome, fearing for the well-being of their loved ones who are still in captivity.

Efforts are also underway by the Oyo State government, which is collaborating with Imo State authorities and security agencies. They aim to leverage experiences from previous abduction crises, such as the Oriire incident, to facilitate the victims’ release. Parents have expressed frustration with the Eduak King transport company, which allegedly has withheld crucial information about the passengers, complicating the families’ attempts to connect with other affected individuals. The families demand accountability from the transport operator for its lack of support during this emergency. As the situation evolves, the urgency to secure the safe return of the captives continues to mount, prompting a plea for government intervention and assistance.