Families of the 20 National Youth Service Corps members rescued after being abducted in Imo State have revealed that they paid millions of naira in ransom before learning that their loved ones had been released.
According to News Central Television, some relatives reportedly paid more than ₦3 million, while others paid as much as ₦6 million to secure the release of the abducted corps members.
DAILY POST reports that security agencies, including the military, Department of State Services, DSS, police and other formations, rescued the 20 corps members and another hostage in Imo State on Wednesday.
A mother of one of the victims told News Central Television that she paid ₦3 million after struggling to raise the money.
“I paid as much as N3 million as ransom while I was hoping that nothing happened to my child. I ran helter-skelter to raise the money. I eventually got the money and sent someone to Imo State to deliver the ransom,” she said.
A father of another victim said he paid ₦6 million for his son’s release.
He explained that relatives gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State, to raise the money, with some converting their contributions to dollars before sending the funds to Imo State for delivery.
“I am excited that my son is coming back. However, how do I repay the N6 million I borrowed? I’m just a farmer,” he said.
The families expressed relief over the rescue of their loved ones while highlighting the financial burden they faced during the period of their captivity.
