Esther Akande, an NYSC member, was abducted on August 16th while heading to the NYSC camp in Nasarawa State and set free on August 19th. The harrowing episode saw her abductors demanding a decreasing ransom, starting from N300m and eventually agreeing to ₦1million.
While Esther’s narrative details the payment of the ransom, contrasting accounts have emerged. The NYSC, represented by Eddy Megwa, and Esther’s father, Mr. Akande, both deny any payment. They attribute her release to collective appeals, prayer, and security intervention.
However, an anonymous family source counters this, confirming the ₦1million ransom was indeed settled. Furthermore, this insider credits Esther’s alma mater, Adeyemi College of Education, and its community with helping amass over half of the demanded sum.
The unfolding story raises questions about the true role of security agencies, considering the kidnappers remain at large post-release. The tale underscores the intricate and often conflicting narratives surrounding such abduction cases.
