NYSC: Kidnapped Corps Members Regain Freedom After Week-Long Ordeal In Zamfara

NYSC: Kidnapped Corps Members Regain Freedom After Week-Long Ordeal In Zamfara

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed the safe release of eight corps members who were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen while traveling from Uyo in Akwa Ibom State to Sokoto State. The incident occurred on 17 August 2024, along the Funtua Bisau Road in Zamfara State.

The Director-General of NYSC, YD Ahmed, announced the news on Friday, urging corps members to avoid nighttime travel for their safety. He emphasized that the welfare and security of all NYSC members remain the organization’s top priority.

Ahmed stated, “While in Zamfara, we collaborated with the Army, Police, DSS, and traditional rulers. We also had a meeting with the governor of Zamfara State regarding the kidnapping of the prospective corps members.”

He further explained that through the combined efforts of security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and the NYSC, the operation to rescue the abducted members was successful. “The mission started yielding results with the rescue of the first set of prospective corps members,” he added.

In other news, a 44-year-old man identified as Paul Edu has been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command on charges of sexually assaulting a female NYSC member. The assault reportedly took place in Ukana Iba village, Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, in the early hours of Saturday, July 20, 2024.

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, disclosed that the suspect, who is the son of the victim’s landlord, forced the corps member into his room under threat of violence. The police recovered a machete and a slaughter knife from the suspect, who is currently in custody. The investigation is ongoing.

CP Ayilara also provided updates on other significant breakthroughs by the command, including the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, the recovery of firearms, and the apprehension of individuals involved in armed robbery and child trafficking.