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A group of gunmen suspected to be bandits has demanded a ransom of four million Naira for the release of over eight National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members they abducted.

The incident occurred along a highway in Zamfara State last Friday, when the young individuals were traveling from Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State to participate in the mandatory National Service.

Emmanuel Eket, the father of one of the kidnapped victims, named Glory Thomas, revealed in a telephone interview that his daughter has been providing updates on the bandits’ activities in their camps.

According to Eket, the bandits contacted him using his daughter’s phone number and demanded a ransom of four million Naira for her release. Eket mentioned that the bandits permitted him to speak with his daughter, during which she advised him to contact the Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) for payment.

However, Eket expressed his concern as he has not heard from his daughter since the initial conversation. He remains uncertain whether the bandits have released the captives.

While the Zamfara State Police Command has maintained silence regarding the abduction, an anonymous military source confirmed the incident and revealed that a rescue team is currently conducting a search in the forest to safely retrieve the victims.