New Ransom Demand Halts Release of Abducted NYSC Member

​The family of Abba, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member currently in captivity, has faced a devastating setback in their efforts to secure his freedom. Despite the delivery of the initial ransom, his captors have issued a new demand for three additional motorcycles before he is released.

​The update, shared to inform the public of the family’s ongoing ordeal, details a harrowing delivery process that took place yesterday. Abba’s aunt traveled to a remote location to meet the kidnappers, assisted by a local motorcyclist who revealed the area is a frequent site for such abductions.

​The Ransom Delivery

​In a display of the bandits’ brazen nature, the aunt reported that upon arriving at the forest location, one of the kidnappers used a portion of the ransom money she had just delivered to pay for her motorcycle fare. While she was able to speak briefly with Abba via telephone—during which he inquired about his mother’s health—she was not permitted to see him in person.

​The motorcyclist who transported her later warned that the area is a known “hotspot,” and that local riders are frequently used to ferry ransom carriers into the forest. He noted that he was present during Abba’s initial abduction, highlighting the systemic nature of insecurity in the region.

​A New Hurdle

​The family had traveled to a nearby village with limited network coverage to stay as close as possible to the negotiation site. However, after the money was handed over, the bandits contacted the aunt again, instructing her to return home. They stated that Abba would remain in their custody until three motorcycles were added to the payment.

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​The aunt also noted that the individual she negotiated with appeared well-dressed and did not seem to be a permanent resident of the forest, suggesting a more sophisticated operation.

​The family is currently awaiting further communication, hoping the abductors will reconsider the additional demand. They have explicitly stated they are not soliciting further donations at this time but ask for the public’s understanding as they navigate this crisis.