Families of prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Imo State have been thrown into panic after their captors demanded a total ransom of ₦950 million for their release.

The victims were among graduates travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in the South-East and South-South when gunmen attacked two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State on Thursday.

The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isaiah Akpan, said 19 prospective corps members were taken into the bush during the attack.

The abductors demanded ₦50 million for each victim, bringing the total ransom demand to ₦950 million.

The incident has heightened anxiety among relatives, with families seeking the safe return of their loved ones.

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the attack and said security agencies had launched an operation to locate the victims and their abductors. Police spokesperson Henry Okoye said 10 victims had been rescued, while efforts continued to locate those still in captivity.

The two buses were carrying passengers travelling to orientation camps in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State.

The abduction has renewed concerns about the safety of young graduates travelling across the country for NYSC orientation.

The Oyo State Government has condemned the incident and said it was working with security agencies, the Imo State Government and NYSC authorities to secure the safe release of those still missing.