Freedom After Ordeal: NYSC Member Abducted in Kogi Resumes Service in Akwa Ibom

Abducted NYSC Participant’s Liberation

Recent reports indicate that Miss Imaobong Samuel, a National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) participant, has been released after being abducted by robbers while en route to the NYSC orientation camp in Kogi State.

The incident occurred in November 2023, as Samuel, a Higher National Diploma (HND) holder in Business Administration, was traveling from Benin to Abuja on a bus operated by Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC).

Week-Long Ordeal in Bandits’ Den

Samuel, along with 11 other passengers, spent approximately a week in the bandits’ den in Kogi forest. Fortunately, she was freed without incident, leading to her redeployment back to Akwa Ibom by NYSC authorities.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Samuel has now commenced her 21-day orientation program at the NYSC camp in Ikot Itie Udung village, Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

Official Swearing-In and Ransom Payment

Miss Samuel, who was officially sworn in along with 2,339 others, shared her story and mentioned that her freedom came after the payment of some ransom. She expressed gratitude to God and emphasized her commitment to the NYSC scheme.

Governor’s Commitment to Corps Members’ Welfare

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has pledged to enhance social amenities in the camp to ensure the security and welfare of the 2,339 Batch “C” Stream 11 Corps members serving in Akwa Ibom. This commitment aims to provide a conducive environment for the three-week orientation exercise.

Civil Society Pleas for Other Abducted Corps Members

In a separate development, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including the Ibom People’s Congress (IPC), has called on President Bola Tinubu, Akwa Ibom, and Zamfara state governments, security agencies, and other stakeholders to demonstrate a genuine commitment to freeing eight Akwa Ibom prospective corps members seized by bandits in Zamfara State.

The CSOs emphasized the need to ensure the release of these innocent youths who aspired to serve their fatherland but were thwarted by bandits.

Advocacy for Freedom

Prof. John Okon, president of the IPC, and other coalition members highlighted the harrowing experiences of the victims, urging policymakers to prioritize the release of the abducted corps members.

Their plea emphasizes the importance of sparing parents and loved ones the agony of living with the trauma of missing children due to bandit activities.