Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camps in Abia State have regained their freedom.
The graduates were released seven days after they were kidnapped along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State.
The victims were travelling from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camps on Thursday when gunmen reportedly attacked the two buses conveying them.
The abductors initially demanded a ransom of N50m for each victim, putting the total demand at N1bn.
The ransom was later reduced to N5m per person, amounting to N100m for the 20 victims.
Following their release, the rescued prospective corps members were taken to the Department of State Services Hospital in Owerri, Imo State, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, visited the hospital to see the victims and assess their condition.
Nafiu was accompanied by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the DSS and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade in the state.
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During the visit, the NYSC DG also addressed the rescued corps members.
The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, had earlier confirmed the release of the victims to The PUNCH on Wednesday.