On August 17, eight recent graduates, part of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), faced a harrowing ordeal when they were kidnapped by suspected terrorists en route to an orientation camp in Zamfara State, Nigeria. Among them are Emmanuel Esudue, a graduate of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from Akwa Ibom State University, and Victoria Udoka, a Mass Communication graduate from the University of Uyo. They were traveling from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State to begin their mandatory one-year national service.
Their bus was intercepted by the abductors, leading to the kidnapping of the eight corps members and their driver. Originally, there were eleven on board, but three managed to escape during the attack.
Making matters worse, the abductors have demanded a ransom of N200 million for the captives’ release. Shockingly, this demand comes after families had already paid N13 million in ransom – N5 million initially and an additional N8 million to meet the total. Some parents went to extremes, including selling their land and taking out loans, to raise the initial amount.
The families recently received troubling news about their children’s deteriorating health due to harsh conditions in captivity. Many parents and extended families have resorted to fasting and prayer, while the victims themselves have requested prayers for their well-being.
Emmanuel Etteh, the father of one of the kidnapped corps members, expressed deep disappointment with the government, security agencies, and the NYSC leadership. He lamented the lack of attention and action in addressing the crisis, while their loved ones remain in captivity.
Etteh conveyed his dismay at the NYSC Director General, expecting a higher level of dedication from the organization. He pointed out that the NYSC had not met expected standards and noted the absence of efforts to engage with the parents or address the situation.
In response, he highlighted the growing frustration and demand for answers among the affected families and the wider community. They eagerly awaited government action and desired transparency regarding efforts to secure the release of the abducted individuals.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of insecurity in Nigeria, marked by numerous kidnappings and abductions, including schoolchildren and NYSC members. While some victims have been released unharmed, others, such as Leah Sharibu from the Dapchi school mass kidnapping in Yobe State, students from Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna, and the eight corps members abducted in Zamfara State, remain in captivity.
Security experts, students, and concerned citizens are calling for the urgent implementation of the Safe School Initiative to protect educational institutions and their occupants from threats posed by kidnappers and bandits in the country. The safety and security of young graduates and students are at stake, necessitating immediate action to address these pressing challenges.
