In a recent development, two young individuals from Akwa Ibom State who were among the prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members kidnapped in Zamfara State while en route to the Sokoto State orientation camp, have been successfully released.
The information was revealed by Eddy Megwa, the Director of Press and Public Relations, in a statement on Thursday.
This positive news comes after the report by Quest Times highlighted the plight of eight graduates abducted on their journey to the NYSC orientation camp in Sokoto, with their release still pending after four months.
The fresh graduates were reportedly taken by armed assailants on August 17 while traveling in an AKTC bus to Sokoto for the mandatory youth service programme.
In Thursday’s statement, the NYSC management announced the secured release of two abducted prospective corps members, bringing the total to four, including the driver.
Megwa emphasized, “The Nigerian Army recently secured the release of a male and female abductees, while efforts are seriously ongoing to ensure the safe release of the remaining four Prospective Corps Members.”
Also, Brig.-Gen. Yush’au Ahmed, the NYSC Director-General, reassured the public, particularly the parents of the remaining four abductees, that the NYSC, in collaboration with security agencies, is committed to exploring all available strategies for their safe release and reuniting them with their families.
Moreover, the statement expressed gratitude for the unwavering support received from the Nigerian Army in their joint efforts to secure the release of the abducted prospective corps members.
“The NYSC management also wishes to appreciate the overwhelming support received from the Nigerian Army in its concerted efforts towards securing the release of the abducted prospective corps members,” he said.
Conclusively, Megwa reiterated the scheme’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate under the law to advance national unity and integration.