Contrarily to reports in some sections of the media, the National Youth Service Corps NYSC has stated that no ransom was paid to release the eight Corps members who were kidnapped while travelling from Uyo in Akwa Ibom to Sokoto in August.
The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed made the disclosure during Press Briefing at the Scheme headquarter in Abuja on Friday, over the successful rescue of the last remaining person out of the eight Corps kidnapped.
According to him, “There was no payment of ransom in rescue of all the perspective Corps members. No state government paid any amount as claimed in the media.
“I must state that I have not received any one naira from any state government so far in the name of the rescue of these Corps members,” Ahmed said.
NYSC Boss recalled the incident, saying, “You will remember when these Corps members were travelling from Uyo in Akwa Ibom to Sokoto. They were kidnapped on August 17, 2023, on Funtua Bisau Road in Zamfara State.”
He explained that the NYSC, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and traditional rulers, worked tirelessly to secure the release of the Corps members.
“Through the combined effort of the security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army and the NYSC, the mission started yielding results with the rescue of the first set of four prospective Corps members,” he added.
He said the last abducted prospective corps member, Solomon Bassey was rescued on August 22, 2024.
He maintained that the welfare and security of all NYSC members remain the scheme’s top priority, while also urging them to avoid travelling at night because of the danger and risk involved.
“We will continue to advise our prospective corps members and serving corps members to desist from travelling at night because of the risk attached to it,” the DG said.
The Director General applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his great support, he also mentioned the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, Director General of Department of State Services (DSS), for professional guidance.
General Ahmed said the Senate and House committees on youth also supported the NYSC for the rescue success. “Let me also thank the Emir of Tsafe”.
He further restated the scheme’s zero tolerance to night journey and unauthorized journeys for Corps members, stated that the Scheme shall never relent its responsibility of upholding the security and welfare of Corps Members at all times.
Two among the rescued Corps members; Emmanuel Esudue, a graduate of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, from Akwa Ibom State University, and Victoria Udoka, a graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Uyo took turns to share with journalists, their experiences while in terrorists’ captivity.
