Families say the abducted prospective corps members are being beaten as security operatives locate the kidnappers’ suspected camp in Imo State.

Twenty prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, abducted in Imo State are reportedly being subjected to physical assault by their captors as their families race to secure their release.

The victims were kidnapped on Thursday when gunmen attacked two buses conveying prospective corps members from Ibadan to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The attack occurred along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in the Umunoha area of Imo State, throwing the victims’ families into distress and uncertainty.

According to relatives of the abducted youths, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million for each victim, putting the total ransom at ₦1 billion.

However, the abductors have reportedly reduced their demand to ₦5 million per person, bringing the total amount being demanded for the 20 victims down to ₦100 million.

The families said they remain deeply worried about the condition of their loved ones, particularly following reports that the captives are being beaten by the kidnappers.

They have appealed for urgent intervention to ensure the safe and immediate release of the prospective corps members.

Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command said security operatives had identified the suspected location of the kidnappers’ camp through intelligence gathering and drone surveillance.

The command, however, said operatives were exercising caution before launching a direct assault because the area is suspected to have been planted with improvised explosive devices.

Additional tactical assets have reportedly been deployed as security agencies work to neutralise the threat and rescue the abducted prospective corps members.

The development has renewed concerns over the safety of young Nigerians travelling to NYSC orientation camps, particularly along routes affected by insecurity.

Families of the victims are now anxiously awaiting a successful rescue operation and the safe return of the 20 prospective corps members.