Graduates En Route to NYSC Camp Abducted by Gunmen in Zamfara

Suspected gunmen have abducted a group of eight graduates who were en route to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Sokoto. The incident, which occurred under the cover of night, has raised concerns about the safety of travelers in the region.

Eddy Megwa, the Director of Press at the NYSC headquarters, confirmed the distressing event to TheCable on Tuesday. According to Megwa, the abducted graduates were traveling in an Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus from Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom, to Sokoto state for their one-year national service when the armed assailants intercepted their journey.

Reports indicate that the gunmen ambushed the bus on the outskirts of Zamfara, leading to a confrontation. Three passengers managed to escape the attackers, while the remaining eight individuals were taken captive.

Expressing deep concern for the well-being of the abducted graduates, Megwa shared that the Director-General of the NYSC swiftly responded to the incident. He immediately traveled to Zamfara to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and orchestrate efforts to secure the release of the victims.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday near Gusau road in Zamfara, has once again highlighted the risks associated with night travel. The NYSC spokesperson emphasized that the call-up letters issued to prospective corps members explicitly advise against nighttime travel due to its inherent dangers. The letters advise travelers to rest and resume their journey during daylight hours.

Megwa lamented the unfortunate circumstances faced by the affected corps members and assured the public that the Director-General’s intervention aims to expedite the safe release of the abducted individuals. He also acknowledged the challenging security situation and urged travelers to adhere to the guidelines provided for their safety.

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

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges that persist in certain regions of the country and underscores the importance of taking precautionary measures, particularly during travel.