The family of Peace Onyesom, a young lawyer recently called to the Nigerian Bar, has confirmed that her abductors are demanding a ransom of N40 million for her release and that of her sister, Gift Onyesom.

The sisters were kidnapped on Friday, September 23, along the Okene–Auchi road while returning from the call-to-bar ceremony. Their family revealed the development in an interview with Punch on Sunday, September 28.

According to their sibling, Adaeze Onyesom, the family first became alarmed when Gift suddenly became unreachable during the journey. Later, a man claiming to be a policeman answered her phone, informing them that she had been kidnapped and that her phone was found in the bus.

Adaeze explained that the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million before reducing the sum to N20 million per person. “They told us they would not collect anything less than N20m for each person, which is N40m for the two of them. We pleaded and said we could only raise N7m, but they refused,” she said.

She added that the family has been under immense distress and is considering selling properties to raise the ransom. “They called us this morning (Sunday) and allowed us to speak with our sisters, who were pleading that we should raise money,” she lamented, calling on authorities to intervene.

Meanwhile, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that eight victims of the attack have already been rescued. He assured that security agencies are working tirelessly to secure the release of the remaining four hostages, including the Onyesom sisters.

The abduction underscores growing concerns over insecurity on major highways, with families of victims often left to negotiate directly with kidnappers.