Nigerian politician Omoyele Sowore has urged the government to suspend and eventually scrap the National Youth Service Corps scheme following the abduction of prospective corps members in Imo State. The abduction occurred on October 1, when gunmen attacked two buses carrying passengers traveling from Ibadan to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of corps members traveling between states for the mandatory national service programme.
According to reports, 10 victims have been rescued, while efforts continue to locate others. The police have deployed additional personnel to strengthen the search-and-rescue operation. The Imo State Police Command stated that the attack occurred at about 6:30 am on October 1, when gunmen intercepted two buses carrying passengers. The prospective corps members were traveling to their orientation camps when the incident occurred.
Sowore, the African Action Congress presidential candidate, argued that the incident demonstrated the risks involved in compelling young Nigerians to travel long distances to unfamiliar parts of the country for national service. He stated that the NYSC had "outlived its usefulness in its present form" and called for the scheme to be suspended immediately and ultimately scrapped. Sowore proposed that corps members should be given the option of serving within their states of origin.
Sowore also proposed replacing the NYSC with a two-year voluntary National Job Corps under his "Sowore 2027" programme. The proposed programme would focus on employment, skills development, public works, technology, agriculture, healthcare, and education. Sowore emphasized that young Nigerians need jobs, opportunities, skills, and security, not compulsory deployment into danger.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, and two Commissioners of Police to strengthen the search-and-rescue operation. The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of prospective corps members traveling between states for the mandatory national service programme.
Sowore's proposal has added a political dimension to the debate over whether the NYSC should continue in its present form. The NYSC has been a mandatory programme for Nigerian graduates since its inception. However, the recent abduction has raised questions about the safety and effectiveness of the programme.
The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a N1 billion ransom for the release of 20 prospective corps members. The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for the government to take action to ensure the safety of corps members.
Key points
- Omoyele Sowore calls for the suspension and scrapping of NYSC
- 10 victims rescued, efforts continue to locate others
- Sowore proposes a two-year voluntary National Job Corps
