NYSC Reacts To Abduction of 8 Prospective Corps Members

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has confirmed the abduction of eight graduates travelling to Sokoto State for the Batch B stream 11 orientation camp.

The NYSC director of press and public relations unit, Eddy Megwa, who confirmed the incident, said the victims were abducted by suspected bandits in Zamfara State while heading to their designated orientation camp in Sokoto.

He said the prospective corps members were travelling in the night when the gunmen waylaid their vehicle.

Report has it that the victims were travelling in an Akwa Ibom Transport Company, AKTC bus from Uyo, to Sokoto state for their one-year national service when the incident happened.

Three of the passengers in the bus reportedly escaped, while the remaining eight were captured by the gunmen.

The NYSC spokesperson, however, revealed that the director-general of the corps, YD Ahmed, was in Zamfara to work with security agencies and secure their release.

“It happened on Saturday, just before Gusau Road in Zamfara.

“Two days ago when the director-general heard about it, he relocated to Zamfara to work with the security agencies trying to secure their release.

“He’s also in touch with the families of the prospective corps members. We’re hoping that, in no time, they would be released.
“The issue is that we have always been against night travel. It is risky and wrong.

“Their call-up letter specifically says that they should rest and continue the next day once it gets dark during their trips. Times are bad. Even we as officers, stop our trips once it’s 6pm.

“We feel so bad for what the corps members are going through. We assure the public that, with the DG’s intervention, we will secure their release,” Mr Megwa said.