The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially announced the successful release of two female Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) who were kidnapped in Zamfara while en route to their orientation camp in Sokoto. This confirmation was made by the Director of Press and Public Relations for NYSC, Eddy Megwa, through a statement issued in Abuja.
The incident occurred in August when eight PCMs and their bus driver, traveling from Uyo in Akwa Ibom to Sokoto for their year-long national service, were abducted by gunmen. With the recent release of two female abductees, the total number of freed individuals now stands at four out of the eight PCMs and the bus driver.
Megwa noted, “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.” The NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Yush’au Ahmed, reassured the public, especially the parents of the remaining abductees, that the scheme, in collaboration with security agencies, is actively exploring all available strategies to ensure their safe release and reunite them with their families.
Expressing gratitude for the support received from the Nigerian Army, Megwa reiterated the NYSC’s commitment to its statutory responsibility of fostering national unity and integration. He emphasized the scheme’s determination to remain resolute in ensuring the safety and well-being of all corps members, despite the challenges posed by security incidents.