Eight graduates set to begin their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) journey were reportedly abducted by gunmen while en route to their orientation camp in Sokoto.
The incident took place under the cover of night on the outskirts of Zamfara. The victims were traveling in an Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus from Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state.
Eddy Megwa, the Director of Press at the NYSC headquarters, revealed that the unfortunate event occurred over the weekend as the unsuspecting graduates were on their way to the designated orientation camp.
Armed gunmen ambushed the bus, intercepting their journey and abducting eight passengers. Three managed to escape the harrowing situation.
Megwa further disclosed that the Director-General of the NYSC took immediate action by traveling to Zamfara to collaborate with local security agencies in efforts to secure the release of the abducted graduates.
The NYSC Director-General stated,
“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.”
