Barely 25 days since Akwa Ibom children were kidnapped on their way for national service and kept in the kidnappers den much has not be heard about them.
Our politicians seem quiet while their parents thrive hard with endless tears on the whereabouts of their children who were kidnapped on their way to save the country.
It can be recalled that on 17th August 2023, prospective corps members who were travelling to Sokoto and Zamfara States from Akwa Ibom State were abducted.
A total of nine graduates from different institutions including University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State University and Heritage Polytechnic along with the driver of the bus were abducted while three others escaped.
Meanwhile, family of one of the kidnapped graduates has sent a passionate appeal to Akwa Ibom State Government for help.
In an interview with Uyaiabasi Udofia who is the sister to one of the abductees, Uyo-obong Udofia narrated how traumatizing the situation has been for her family.
She explained that her sister, Uyo-obong started her trip on the 16th of August but due to the distance, the journey had to be continued on the 17th and that was when this tragedy struck.
She expressed disappointment in the way the issue is being shunned by the government considering the fact that the abducted students were on their way to serve the country when they were kidnapped.
She added that it is two weeks since her sister was abducted and they are yet to get any form of support from any arm of government.
According to her, the sum of four million naira was demanded for each of the abductees but was reduced to ten million naira for all nine of them.
After several pleas from the family, Uyaiabasi disclosed the ransom was reduced to 5 million Naira for all of them.
According to her, “when this amount was paid last week, only one of the abductees who was shot on the leg was released and the parents were asked to pay up 5 million naira for the rest of them to be released.”
Uyaiabasi appealed to the general public and especially the government to help out in any way possible as her family and the family of the other prospective corps members are doing everything in their power to ensure that their loved ones return home safe.
“Those kidnappers reduced the money from four million each to ten million for the nine of them, after so much pleading, they reduced it to five million, two parents volunteered to take the money to them, they took it to them, they have gotten the money but they are saying they can only release the corps member that was shot on the leg and they should bring another five million so they can release others.”
“Please help donate anything would be appreciated. I have spoken to my sister and she really wants to come home. ”
“It has been about two weeks since this happened and the government has not reached out or met with the families. It is really unfair and sad.
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