By Muhammadu Sabiu
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed the kidnapping of eight graduates who were on route to Sokoto State for the Batch B Stream 11 orientation camp.
According to Eddy Megwa, the NYSC’s director of Press and Public Relations, who confirmed the abduction, the victims were kidnapped by alleged bandits in Zamfara State on their way to the orientation camp they were supposed to attend in Sokoto.
According to him, the gunmen ambushed the prospective corps members’ vehicle as they were riding at night.
The victims were reportedly riding in an AKTC bus for their one-year national service from Uyo to Sokoto State.
According to reports, three bus passengers managed to escape, but the gunmen managed to capture the other eight.
However, the NYSC spokesperson said that YD Ahmed, the corps’ director-general, was in Zamfara to coordinate with security forces to 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.
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