Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were abducted while traveling from Oyo state to their orientation camps in Abia state have regained their freedom. The graduates were kidnapped last Thursday along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo state, after gunmen attacked the two buses conveying them from Ibadan. The victims were on their way to their respective NYSC orientation camps when the attackers intercepted the buses and took them hostage.
The abduction sparked concern among their families and raised fresh concerns over the safety of young Nigerians traveling to commence the mandatory national service programme. The incident has again highlighted security concerns along major inter-state routes used by prospective corps members and other travelers. The NYSC programme requires young graduates to serve in different parts of the country, often involving long-distance travel.
The abductors initially demanded N50 million for each of the 20 victims, putting the total ransom at N1 billion. However, the kidnappers later reduced the ransom demand to N5 million per victim, bringing the total amount demanded for the release of all 20 prospective corps members to N100 million. The circumstances surrounding the payment of the ransom, if any, and how the victims were eventually released were not immediately disclosed.
Following their release, the 20 victims were taken to the Department of State Services Hospital in Owerri, Imo state, where they are currently receiving medical attention. The victims are being monitored as they recover from their experience in captivity. The medical team is providing them with necessary care and support to help them overcome the trauma they experienced.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, visited the rescued prospective corps members at the facility. Nafiu was accompanied by the Imo state Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services, and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Imo State. During the visit, the NYSC Director-General met with the victims and assessed their condition.
The release of the 20 victims was confirmed by the Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, on Wednesday. The development ends a seven-day ordeal for the graduates, who had been traveling from Ibadan to Abia state to begin their NYSC orientation activities before they were abducted. The incident has raised concerns about the security of NYSC members and other travelers on inter-state routes.
The NYSC has expressed relief over the safe release of the abducted corps members. The incident highlights the need for improved security measures to protect young Nigerians traveling for the NYSC programme. Authorities are working to ensure the safety of all NYSC members and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- The abducted NYSC corps members were released after a ransom demand was made.
- The victims received medical attention at the Department of State Services Hospital in Owerri.
- The incident highlights security concerns along major inter-state routes used by prospective corps members.
