Eight members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were kidnapped while traveling from Uyo in Akwa Ibom State to Sokoto State, have been released.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, announced this on Friday and issued a warning to future corps members about the risks of traveling at night.
The NYSC members were abducted on August 17, 2023, along Funtua-Bisau Road in Zamfara State while traveling in an Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus. They were on their way to the NYSC orientation camp in Sokoto when they were ambushed by unknown assailants.
In his press briefing, Brigadier General Ahmed detailed the rescue operation and the decision to issue discharge certificates to the kidnapped corps members. He stated,
“The welfare and security of all members will continue to be the priority of the scheme. After all they have gone through, they can no longer be mobilized for service.”
Ahmed described the collaborative efforts with the Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and traditional rulers in Zamfara State.
He also mentioned meetings with the state governor to address the kidnapping.
The rescued corps members include:
– Daniel Etim Bassey (Uruan LGA, University of Nigeria, Nsukka)
– Obong Victor Udofia (Ikono LGA, University of Uyo)
– Sabbath Anyaewe Ikan (Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom Polytechnic)
– Abigail Peter Sandy (Abak LGA, Maurid Polytechnic)
– Glory Etukudo Thomas (Eket LGA, Heritage Polytechnic)
– Emmanuel Esudue (Urue Offong Oruko LGA)
– Victoria Bassey Udoka (Ini LGA, University of Uyo)
– Solomon Bassey Daniel (Itu LGA, Akwa Ibom Polytechnic)
The first four victims were rescued on August 30, 2023, and the last batch of four was freed on August 22, 2024.
Brigadier General Ahmed clarified that no ransom was paid for the release of the corps members.
He praised the Nigerian Army and the DSS for their efforts in securing their release, stating, “No state government brought any amount for their rescue as claimed in the media. I must state that I have not received one naira from any state government so far in the name of the rescue of these corps members.”
He further explained that the victims were moved between different camps, complicating their rescue.
While no arrests have been made, the gang leader behind the kidnapping has been killed.
Emmanuel Esudue, one of the rescued corps members, described the experience as “traumatic” and expressed gratitude to the NYSC and security agencies. “It was a painful and terrifying experience. We never knew if we would make it out alive, but we are grateful to be free,” Esudue said.