Parents of the 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted last Thursday on their way to the orientation camp in Abia State have appealed to the authorities and Nigerians to ensure the safe return of their children and others held in captivity.

The parents said the kidnappers have given them a 24-hour ultimatum to pay a ransom before their children are released.

They made the passionate appeal when they visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan. They were accompanied by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.

The parents sought the urgent intervention of the monarch and the police chief, revealing that the gunmen contacted them using the mobile lines of the abducted prospective corps members. They said the visit was prompted by the abductors’ threat to deal decisively with the victims if the ransom was not paid within 24 hours.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Alhaja Alimot Akande and Oyebola Michael Akande urged the Olubadan and the Commissioner of Police to help secure the timely release of their children.

“They have been calling us since yesterday with a demand for N50 million ransom each. They are threatening that anything untoward will happen to our children if we fail to heed their request,” the parents said. “There is no way we can raise such amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children.”

Responding, the Olubadan assured them that the children would be rescued unharmed. “I want to assure you that your children would be rescued unharmed. We will relate whatever information we gather to you. The police are working round the clock to secure their rescue. Don’t worry yourself. The police are up to the task, and nothing would happen to your children,” he said.

Also addressing the gathering, CP Abimbola disclosed that he had been in contact with his counterpart in Imo State since the day of the incident, and that efforts were in top gear to secure the rescue and safe return of the victims.

“I had already contacted the Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of the incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt,” the Police Chief reassured the parents.