Gunmen have demanded N950 million for the release of 19 graduates abducted while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their National Youth Service Corps orientation camps.

The victims were travelling in two buses when the attackers intercepted them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, on Thursday.

The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, confirmed the incident, saying the gunmen demanded N50 million for each victim.

Akpan said the buses belonged to his company and were carrying corps members heading to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom States.