In a concerted bid to ensure the safe return of eight Youth Corps members who were kidnapped in Zamfara State, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has collaborated closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the military brigade. This initiative is under the personal direction of the NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed.
Speaking to our correspondent in a telephone interview, Eddy Megwa, the NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, confirmed this development. He stated, “As I speak to you, the NYSC DG is in Zamfara state, and the NYSC is currently working with the police, the military brigade, and the DSS to release the eight corps members that were kidnapped in Zamfara.”
The unfortunate incident took place on a highway in Zamfara, where gunmen abducted these eight NYSC members who were travelling in an AKTC bus. The group had been en route from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State, with the intention of participating in their mandatory national service in Zamfara State.
Although the assailants initially targeted eleven corps members, three managed to escape during the attack. A source from the transport company, who wished to remain anonymous, verified the situation and shared additional details. He disclosed that the kidnapped individuals were taken into the bush after being removed from the bus. The authorities have recovered the bus, which had been a part of their journey from Uyo, with a tragic twist: the bus driver lost his life in the incident.
The survivors of this horrifying incident recounted their journey, revealing that they had left Uyo on a Friday and had stopped over in Abuja. It was during their onward journey to Sokoto that the abduction occurred.
As the collaborative efforts of the NYSC, police, military, and DSS intensify, hopes remain high for the safe rescue and return of these young individuals. The incident has been formally reported to relevant government bodies and security agencies, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the need for a swift resolution.
