Eight National Youth Service Corps members from Akwa Ibom State who were abducted by bandits on August 17, 2023, while on their way to orientation camp in Sokoto State are still in captivity, their families have said.

The families, who spoke to Vanguard on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, expressed fears over the fate of their children, who have been held captive for over six weeks.

They also lamented the lack of support from the Akwa Ibom State Government, saying that no government official has contacted them since the incident happened.

The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N100 million for the release of the victims, which the families say they cannot afford.

One of the victims’ mothers, who has gone on hunger strike, said: “How can I eat when my child is not eating? Our sons and daughters have not been rescued. Why me? The huge amount of money the kidnappers are demanding, where can we get it from?”

Another family source said: “At present, as of yesterday (Monday) those kidnappers are demanding N100 million as ransom. I am angry with Akwa Ibom State Government.”

The families are appealing to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of their children.

The House of Representatives has also passed a motion urging the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to secure the immediate and safe release of the victims.