All the eight prospective corps members abducted by terrorists on 17th August 2023 have been successfully rescued and presented by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
The victims who were abducted in Zamfara state while on the journey from Akwa Ibom state to Sokoto state for the service year were later rescued in batches, with the last one who regained freedom this week.
The Director General of the corps Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed presenting the rescued corps members at a press briefing today in Abuja, announced that it was difficult to release all of them at once because they were dispatched to various destinations by the terrorists.
He said, “On the 30th of August, 2023, we rescued the first prospective corps member, Emmanuel Emmanuel Esudue; Victoria Bassey Udoka was rescued on the 20th of October, 2023. Abigail Peter Sandy was rescued on the 7th of December, 2023. Sabbath Anyaewe Ikan was equally rescued on the 7th of December, 2023.
“Obong Victor Udofia was rescued on the 3rd of February, 2024. Daniel Bassey was rescued on the 8th of February, 2024. Glory Etukudu Thomas was rescued on the 9th of June, 2024. Yesterday, 22nd August, we rescued the last victim, Solomon Daniel Bassey.”
The DG who commended the efforts of all those who participated in the rescue efforts stated that there was no payment of ransome for the release.
“No state government brought any amount for their rescue as claimed in the media. I must state that I have not received one naira from any state government so far in the name of the rescue of these corps members. No group of people or organization aided the rescue of the prospective corps members apart from the security agencies, particularly the army and the DSS,” he said.
He said so far, no arrest has been made but the gang leader who organized the kidnap has been killed.
He said that the welfare and safety of corps members will continue to be a priority and reiterated his advice that corps members should desist from travelling in the night because of the risks associated with night journey.
The DG further stated that the rescued corps members unable to participate in the one year national service due to been kidnapped would be issued certificates.
He explained that given the ordeal they endured at the
hands of their captors, they would no longer be required
to participate in the national service.
He said the eight person was not around to be presented because she just married.
Speaking on behalf of the rescued Corps member, Emmanuel Esudue Emmanuel, said the experience was traumatic.
He appreciated the Scheme and the security agencies for their efforts in rescuing them.
