The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has said no ransom was paid to secure the release of the abducted 20 prospective corps members.
However, the parents of some of the prospective corps members have told News Central that they raised millions of naira to secure the release of their children.
Parents Reveal Money Paid to Kidnappers
One of the parents said the kidnappers demanded N6 million for the release of her son. She said she appealed to members of the public for financial support and also borrowed money from people to raise the amount. 
The parents told News Central:
“N6 million was requested from us to pay the kidnappers for our son to be released. I pleaded with the public to contribute towards my son’s release. I also borrowed money from people to raise the N6 million.”
The father also explained how the families contributed money to secure the release of the victims. When the interviewer asked the father about the governor’s claim that no ransom was paid, he said the kidnappers collected money from the families.
READ ALSO: The NYSC Ransom Economy: When a Graduate Becomes a Kidnapper’s Price Tag
“The kidnappers collected money. All the parents of the victims paid for their children. The amount we paid was N6 million, and our money was the highest that was requested. Other victims paid N5 million,” he said.
Parents Gathered Money in Ibadan
The father said the parents gathered at Adamasigba in Ibadan to put the money together before sending representatives to Imo State.
“The other parents and I all gathered at a location, Adamasigba in Ibadan, to put all the money together. We sent representatives who took the money to Imo State, where they were kidnapped,” he said.
He added that the parents appointed three representatives who travelled to Imo State and changed the money to dollars, as the kidnappers requested.
The parents’ account contradicts Governor Uzodimma’s statement about the release of the prospective corps members. He spoke about the role played by the security agencies.
READ ALSO: NYSC Abduction: Kidnappers Drop Ransom Demand to N100m
Uzodimma Credits Security Agencies
In a statement that Governor Uzodimma personally signed on Wednesday, October 7, he said the state government deliberately adopted a discreet and coordinated approach. The reason for the approach was to avoid releasing too much information to the public. It could jeopardise the investigation.
According to Uzodimma, the security agencies adopted a discreet and coordinated approach to ensure the safe return of the victims.
About The Author
