A young National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Abasifreke Joseph, who was abducted on January 9, 2025, along the Enugu-Ezike Road, has shared harrowing details of her five-day captivity, revealing strange actions by the bus driver that may have played a role in her ordeal.
Joseph, who was traveling to Kogi State for her NYSC posting, was abducted while en route from her home in Abak, Akwa Ibom. Her story sheds light not only on the brutality of her kidnappers but also on what she perceives as the suspicious actions of the driver involved in the incident.
Speaking from Abak, during a visit by the NYSC Coordinator in Akwa Ibom, Mr. Sam Pepple, the traumatized young woman recounted her terrifying experience.
“I spent five days and five nights in the kidnappers’ den without food or water. It was hell,” she said, visibly shaken but determined to tell her story.
Joseph, who had been posted to Kogi for her NYSC service after swearing in on November 29, 2024, had initially fallen ill during the orientation course. With the approval of the camp director, she had traveled home to seek medical attention, unaware that her return trip would become the stuff of nightmares.
On January 9, while traveling along Enugu-Ezike Road in the Igbo Eze North Local Government Area, Joseph and other passengers in the bus were startled by a warning from a motorcycle rider. The rider, according to Joseph, had alerted them to a possible armed robbery ahead.
“While we were on our way, a motorcyclist came to us, warning that there was an armed robbery ahead. But strangely, our driver did not heed the warning. He just kept driving towards the danger,” she recalled.
Minutes later, the bus was ambushed by the kidnappers. As shots rang out, the driver’s actions took a more alarming turn. Instead of attempting to drive away or protect the passengers, the driver exited the vehicle, opened the door, and told everyone to flee into the bush.
“What was even more shocking was that when the kidnappers arrived, they let the driver go without harm. They didn’t take him hostage like the rest of us,” Joseph continued, her voice trembling as she reflected on the bizarre turn of events.
According to Joseph, the kidnappers went on to beat the hostages, dispossessing them of their mobile phones and valuables. During her captivity, she was subjected to both physical abuse and extreme deprivation.
“After we were captured, they beat us, took our phones, and left us without any form of communication. I was terrified and hungry the entire time,” Joseph recounted, her eyes reflecting the trauma of the experience.
Despite the horror, Joseph expressed gratitude for her eventual release, which occurred on January 13, after four grueling days of captivity. The coordinated efforts of the NYSC and local authorities played a crucial role in her safe return. Mr. Sam Pepple, who visited Joseph shortly after her release, praised the young woman’s resilience and confirmed the organization’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its members.
“We thank God for sparing her life. As soon as we were informed of the incident, we moved swiftly to ensure her release,” Pepple said. “The NYSC is a responsible organization. We treat our members like our own children, and we have made sure that she is well taken care of.”
Pepple assured the public that Joseph was in good spirits despite the trauma, contrasting reports on social media that had suggested otherwise.
“I have seen her, and she is in high spirits and good health. Contrary to some of the sensational reports online, she is doing well,” Pepple added, visibly relieved that the ordeal had ended in a positive outcome.
However, Joseph’s comments about the driver’s suspicious actions have raised significant concerns. Investigations into the driver’s role are reportedly ongoing, with authorities looking into whether he had any prior knowledge of the kidnappers or if his actions were deliberately intended to assist them.
The driver’s strange decision to abandon the vehicle and lead passengers into the hands of the kidnappers, despite the warning about a robbery, has sparked public outrage and speculation. Critics have pointed to the driver’s inexplicable behavior, questioning whether his actions were a result of fear or something more sinister.
“It’s hard to believe that someone could act so recklessly, especially when lives are at stake,” said a local security expert, who wished to remain anonymous. “The driver’s actions are highly suspicious, and it’s crucial that authorities investigate this thoroughly.”
While Joseph’s safety was paramount, the circumstances surrounding her abduction have raised more questions than answers. The NYSC and law enforcement agencies are now under pressure to uncover the truth behind the driver’s role in the kidnap, which has added a layer of mystery to an already traumatic event.
In the aftermath of her ordeal, Joseph has been receiving support from her family, the NYSC, and the public. Many have praised her courage and resilience in the face of such terrifying adversity. Despite the physical and emotional scars left by the experience, she remains hopeful for the future and thankful for the outpouring of support she has received.
The incident, which has brought attention to the dangers faced by travelers in certain parts of the country, has also led to renewed calls for increased security measures on Nigeria’s highways. While Joseph’s kidnapping is a tragic example of the risks involved in road travel, it also highlights the need for better security coordination and response strategies to protect citizens.
As for Joseph, her journey to healing is just beginning. The memories of her five days in captivity will likely stay with her for a long time, but she remains determined to continue her service to the nation.
“I’m just grateful to be alive,” she said. “I’ve been through a lot, but I’m going to keep going.”
