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NYSC to Award Certificates to Corps Members Held by Bandits

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 24th, 2024.

NYSC to Award Certificates to Corps Members Held by Bandits

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that it will issue certificates to corps members who were unable to complete their national service due to abduction by bandits.

The corps members were en route to Sokoto State for their three-week orientation when they were kidnapped in Zamfara State on August 17, 2023. The individuals affected are Daniel Etim Bassey (Uruan LGA, University of Nigeria, Nsukka), Obong Victor Udofia (Ikono LGA, University of Uyo), Sabbath Anyaewe Ikan (Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom Polytechnic), Abigail Peter Sandy (Abak LGA, Maurid Polytechnic), Glory Etukudo Thomas (Eket LGA, Heritage Polytechnic), Emmanuel Esudue (Urue Offong Oruko LGA), Victoria Bassey Udoka (Ini LGA, University of Uyo), and Solomon Bassey Daniel (Itu LGA, Akwa Ibom Polytechnic).

The victims were traveling in an Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus when they were ambushed. They were released in stages, with the final release occurring this week.

Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, NYSC Director-General, informed journalists in Abuja that these individuals will be awarded discharge certificates since they could not be mobilized for service due to their captivity. Ahmed detailed the timeline of their rescue: Emmanuel Esudue was rescued on August 30, 2023; Victoria Bassey Udoka on October 20, 2023; Abigail Peter Sandy and Sabbath Anyaewe Ikan on December 7, 2023; Obong Victor Udofia on February 3, 2024; Daniel Bassey on February 8, 2024; Glory Etukudo Thomas on June 9, 2024; and Solomon Daniel Bassey on August 22, 2024.

Ahmed clarified that no ransom was paid for their release; instead, the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigerian Army were responsible for their rescue. He emphasized that no state government or external organization contributed financially to their release.

The corps members were moved between different camps during their captivity, and while no arrests have been made, the gang leader responsible for the abduction has been killed. Emmanuel Esudue Emmanuel, one of the rescued corps members, described the experience as traumatic and expressed gratitude to the NYSC and security agencies for their efforts.