NYSC to issue certificates to Corp Members who were abducted by bandits

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced plans to issue certificates to prospective corps members who were unable to complete their one-year national service due to abduction.

The individuals in question were traveling to Sokoto State for their three-week orientation course when they were kidnapped in Zamfara State on August 17, 2023.

The victims include Daniel Etim Bassey (University of Nigeria, Nsukka), Obong Victor Udofia (University of Uyo), Sabbath Anyaewe Ikan (Akwa Ibom Polytechnic), Abigail Peter Sandy (Maurid Polytechnic), Glory Etukudo Thomas (Heritage Polytechnic), Emmanuel Esudue, Victoria Bassey Udoka (University of Uyo), and Solomon Bassey Daniel (Akwa Ibom Polytechnic).

The group was ambushed while traveling in an Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus. They were released in stages, with the last member regaining freedom this week.

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.”

He claimed that no ransom was paid to rescue the corps members, noting that there were rescued through the efforts of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigerian Army.

“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 co-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.

According to Ahmed, the Corps members were transferred from one kidnappers camps to the other, hence, they were not rescued from one place.

He said so far, no arrest had been made, but the gang leader who organized the kidnap has been killed.

One 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.
Below are pictures of the rescued corps members.