NYSC denies ransom payment for freed corps members abducted since August

National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) has denied paying ransom money to kidnappers for the release of kidnapped Akwa Ibom State youth corps members abducted by suspected bandits in Zamfara on their way to report at the Orientation Camp in Sokoto.

According to the NYSC, it did not pay any ransom to effect the release of the abducted corps members, as claimed by some reports in the media.

A statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations of NYSC, Mr. Eddy Megwa, disclosed that ‘no state government, individual or agency paid any amount in the guise of ransom before their release.’

“To put the records straight, the release of the prospective corps members kidnapped in ZAMFARA state on their way to report at Orientation camp in Sokoto state was primarily on the combined effort of the security agents and the National Youth Service Corps.

“It is also noteworthy to state that no state government, individual or agency paid any amount in the guise of ransom before their release.

“The management of National Youth Service Corps, since their release, is shouldering the responsibility of their medical bills where they are recuperating.

“The management therefore disassociates itself from the claim that Akwa Ibom State Government or any other state Government paid money for their release.

“The management of the scheme is very much aware of different account numbers and names currently being circulated in the public calling for financial donations towards paying ransom for the release of the prospective corps members.

“The NYSC management therefore is making an open call to the parents and family members of the kidnapped prospective corps members, Akwa Ibom, Zamfara state Governments or anybody not to fall prey to the unscrupulous elements taking undue advantage of the situation to defraud unsuspecting members of the public by calling for donation towards the release of the kidnapped prospective corps members.

“It is however impressive to note that so far, the management of national Youth Service corps and security agents have succeeded in securing the release of four (4) out of the eight (8) kidnapped prospective corps members without paying any amount of money and still working relentlessly towards securing the release of the remaining prospective corps members in the hands of the kidnappers.

“The National Youth Service Corps is ever committed towards the welfare and security of the corps members and will continue to intensify synergy with security agencies towards the safety of the corps members”, the statement read.

In August, this year, the NYSC had disclosed that was working with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the military brigade to secure release of the eight corps members kidnapped in Zamfara State by terrorists.

The NYSC Director, Press and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, who disclosed this, said the NYSC is now working with the DSS, police and the military to free the kidnapped corp members posted to Zamfara State.

“As I speak to you, the NYSC DG is in Zamfara state, and the NYSC is currently working with the police, the military brigade, and the DSS to release the eight corps members that were kidnapped in Zamfara,” Megwa said.

Terrorists had, that month abducted eight members of the NYSC on a highway in Zamfara on their way to state Permanent Orientatio Camp.

The corps members were travelling inside an Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus from Uyo, in Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State, en route to Zamfara State, to take part in the mandatory national service.

The corps members were 11 in number but three escaped during the attack by the gunmen.

“The corps members were offloaded (from the bus) and taken into the bush. The police have recovered the bus.

“They left here (Uyo) on Friday and slept over in Abuja. It was when they were proceeding to Sokoto that they were kidnapped,” an eyewitness account said.

He further noted that the incident had been reported to government authorities and security agencies, adding that the bus driver was also killed.

The abducted corps members have been in the terrorists enclave since August, this year.