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NYSC Corps Member Recounts Ordeal After 5 Days in Kidnappers’ Custody, Suspects Driver’s Involvement

Published by Tope Fakinlede on January 19th, 2025.

NYSC Corps Member Recounts Ordeal After 5 Days in Kidnappers’ Custody, Suspects Driver’s Involvement

Miss Abasifreke Joseph, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, was abducted on January 9, 2025, along the Enugu-Ezike Road while traveling to Kogi. After being released on January 13, she recounted her harrowing experience of being held captive for five days, enduring both physical abuse and severe hunger.

During a visit to Joseph in Abak, Akwa Ibom, on Sunday, Mr. Sam Pepple, the NYSC Coordinator for the state, listened to her story. She revealed, “I was held captive for five days and five nights with no food or water.”

Joseph shared that she, along with other captives, was beaten and robbed of her phones and personal items. She explained that she had been posted to Kogi for her national service and had been sworn in on November 29, 2024. However, after falling ill during the orientation, she received permission from the Camp Director to travel home for medical treatment.

On January 9, as she was on her way back to Kogi, Joseph’s vehicle was ambushed by the kidnappers around 4:30 p.m. in the Igbo Eze North Local Government Area. She recounted, “A motorcycle rider warned us about a robbery ahead, but surprisingly, our driver ignored the warning and continued driving. We then encountered the kidnappers, who started shooting. The driver immediately exited the vehicle, opened the door, and told us to flee into the bush. It was strange that the kidnappers allowed the driver to leave unharmed and did not take him hostage.”

Joseph expressed gratitude for the swift response and support from the NYSC during her captivity.

Earlier, Mr. Pepple expressed relief that Joseph had returned safely. “We thank God for her life and the prompt action taken to ensure her release. The NYSC is committed to the safety of all its members, and we treat them like family. We are pleased to see that she is in good health and high spirits, contrary to some of the misinformation circulating on social media,”he stated.