Key Takeaways
- Parents of abducted NYSC prospective corps members accuse Eduak King Transport Company of withholding passenger contact information.
- The transport firm allegedly refused to provide a next-of-kin list, hindering families' efforts to connect and coordinate.
- Abducted graduates, including twins, were traveling from Ibadan to Abia State for their mandatory national service.
- Kidnappers have reportedly demanded a N50 million ransom per victim, leaving families in despair.
- Oyo State Government has assured families of ongoing efforts with security agencies to secure the release of the abductees.
Ibadan, Oyo State – A deepening crisis surrounds the abduction of 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State, as distraught parents have leveled serious accusations against the transport company involved. Eduak King Transport Company, which conveyed the young graduates from Ibadan, is being vehemently criticized for allegedly withholding crucial passenger information, exacerbating the anguish of families desperately seeking their children's safe return.
The incident, which saw the abduction of graduates en route to their NYSC orientation camp in Abia State, has cast a harsh spotlight on the responsibilities of commercial transport operators, particularly in regions grappling with security challenges. The parents' claims suggest a significant lapse in the company's duty of care and transparency during a critical emergency.
Allegations of Non-Cooperation and Indifference
According to affected families, their attempts to obtain a next-of-kin list from Eduak King Transport Company's office in Samonda, Ibadan, were met with refusal. Mrs. Iyabo Akande, whose daughter, Kehinde Marufat Akande, is among the abducted, expressed profound frustration. “Please, our government, please, the Inspector General of Police, the transport company Eduak King located at Samonda, please help us investigate them and put fear into them. Call them to account,” she pleaded, highlighting the company's alleged refusal to assist in contacting other affected families.
Another parent, Engr. Olawale Olaleye, whose daughter was also a victim, voiced shock at finding the company still conducting normal operations when he visited their premises. “We went to Samonda, to Eduak King. Surprisingly, they were already loading another vehicle. People are complaining, the company should be held liable,” he stated, questioning the firm's apparent indifference amidst such a grave incident. When Newstarn reporters visited the premises, the company's office was locked, with no officials available to respond to the allegations, while other transport operators continued their activities.
The Abduction and Ransom Demands
The prospective corps members had boarded an Eduak King bus from Ibadan, Oyo State, bound for the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Abia State. The journey included an overnight stop near Onitsha, Anambra State, before resuming at approximately 4:00 am. The bus was reportedly attacked around the Owerri axis of Imo State at about 7:00 am, leading to the abduction of 19 individuals, including graduates from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, and a set of twins.
The families' distress has been compounded by reported ransom demands. Engr. Olawale Olaleye revealed the captors' exorbitant demands: “This morning, they are already demanding N50 million! N50 million for just one head! We don’t have mouth to talk too much, but please come to our rescue Governor Seyi Makinde, President Tinubu, please come to our rescue.” Mrs. Rebecca Adewale, whose 26-year-old son, Paul Iyanuoluwa Adewale, is among the abducted, recounted how her family received a brief call from Paul, seemingly under duress, confirming the ransom demand.
Mrs. Iyabo Akande also confirmed receiving a N50 million demand for her daughter's release, followed by other financial requests. In a desperate attempt to ensure their children's safety, some families have even contributed funds for food for the hostages, transferring sums like N100,000, despite their inability to meet the primary ransom. Deaconess Kemi Makinde and Mr. Bafunsho Olayiwola, both parents of abductees, echoed the desperate pleas for government intervention, highlighting their financial helplessness.
Government Intervention and Ongoing Efforts
In response to the escalating crisis, CP Sunday Odukoya (retd), the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, has assured the affected families that the Oyo State Government is actively collaborating with relevant security agencies. Addressing the parents at the state secretariat, Odukoya confirmed that the government is closely monitoring the situation and has established contacts with authorities in Imo and Abia states, as well as military and federal intelligence agencies. He appealed for calm, urging families to avoid actions that could jeopardize ongoing rescue operations, while affirming intensified efforts to locate and secure the safe return of the abducted youths.
Why This Matters
This incident underscores the critical need for enhanced security on Nigeria's interstate roads and highlights the ethical and legal responsibilities of transport companies, particularly concerning passenger safety and information sharing during emergencies. The alleged non-cooperation from Eduak King Transport Company not only compounds the suffering of the victims' families but also raises serious questions about industry standards and regulatory oversight, demanding a thorough investigation to prevent future recurrences and restore public trust in both transportation services and the mandatory national service program.