Kidnappers holding 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Imo State have reportedly reduced their ransom demand from ₦1 billion to ₦100 million.
The victims, who were reportedly abducted while travelling to Imo for their NYSC orientation programme, have remained in captivity as negotiations over their release continue.
Relatives of the abducted prospective corps members said the kidnappers had reduced the initial ransom demand but expressed concern over the alleged treatment of the victims in captivity.
According to the relatives, some of the victims are being beaten, heightening fears for their safety and wellbeing.
The development has renewed calls for intensified security efforts to secure the release of the prospective corps members and prevent similar incidents involving young Nigerians travelling for national service.
Details surrounding the identities of the abductors, the exact location where the victims are being held and the current status of negotiations were not immediately clear.
