An abducted member of the National Youth Service Corps, identified as Abba, has appeared in a new video released by his captors, putting to rest earlier fears that he had been killed.
The video surfaced on Sunday and shows the corps member alive and speaking from what appears to be the kidnappers’ hideout. In the footage, Abba calmly addressed the camera and explained that the recording was made on the 19th day of Ramadan, a statement that contradicts earlier claims by his family that he might have been killed.
His family had earlier raised alarm after they said communication with the kidnappers suddenly stopped despite the payment of a ransom of N10 million. The silence from the abductors led relatives and members of their community to fear the worst.
Believing that the young corps member might have been killed, the family went ahead to observe funeral prayers in absentia, also known as Janaza Gha’ib, in line with Islamic burial traditions. The prayer is usually performed when a Muslim is believed to have died but the body is not available for burial.
However, the newly released video now suggests that Abba is still alive and being held in captivity.
In the video, the corps member appeared calm but tired as he spoke. Though the exact location of the recording could not be confirmed, the surroundings suggested he was in a remote area believed to be used as a hideout by the kidnappers.
Sources familiar with the case said the video may have been released by the abductors to prove that their victim is still alive while negotiations continue.
According to the sources, the kidnappers are still making fresh demands before releasing the corps member. Apart from the N10 million ransom already paid by the family, the abductors are reportedly asking for two motorcycles as part of the conditions for his freedom.
The development has added to the growing concerns about kidnapping across different parts of Nigeria, where victims are often held for weeks or months while families struggle to meet ransom demands.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a serious security challenge in the country in recent years. Victims have included students, travellers, farmers, community leaders, and even security personnel.
Members of the National Youth Service Corps have also occasionally been targeted. The NYSC scheme, established in 1973, requires Nigerian graduates under the age of 30 to serve the country for one year in states outside their place of origin. The programme was created to promote national unity and cultural understanding after the Nigerian civil war.
During the service year, corps members are posted to schools, government offices, hospitals, and private organisations where they contribute their skills and support development in their host communities.
However, security concerns in some parts of the country have raised fears among corps members and their families. Many young graduates travel long distances to reach their places of primary assignment, sometimes passing through areas known for banditry and kidnapping.
Over the years, the Federal Government and the NYSC management have introduced several measures aimed at improving the safety of corps members. These include working with security agencies, adjusting posting strategies, and encouraging corps members to report security threats quickly.
Despite these efforts, incidents involving the abduction of corps members still occur from time to time, especially in areas where criminal gangs operate freely.
The case involving Abba has drawn attention online, with many Nigerians expressing concern about the safety of young graduates serving under the NYSC program.
Community leaders and concerned citizens have called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the corps member and bring those responsible for the abduction to justice.
Meanwhile, the family of the kidnapped corps member is said to be relieved after seeing the new video confirming that he is still alive. However, they remain worried about his safety and the continued demands from the kidnappers.
Relatives say the family had already struggled to raise the N10 million ransom that was previously paid to the abductors. The new demand for motorcycles has added another burden to the already distressed family.
Authorities have repeatedly advised the public not to pay ransom to kidnappers, but the reality on the ground often forces families into difficult decisions.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from security agencies regarding the new video or efforts to rescue the abducted corps member.
