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"Our Driver Was Let Go Unharmed”: Abducted NYSC Member Tells Her Story

opera.com 2025/2/9

A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Abasifreke Joseph, has recounted her chilling ordeal in the hands of kidnappers along the Enugu-Ezike Road in Enugu State. The incident occurred on 9 January 2025 as she was traveling to her NYSC post in Kogi State.

Ms. Joseph, who was held captive for five days, shared her experience during a visit by the NYSC Coordinator for Akwa Ibom State, Sam Pepple, in her hometown of Abak. She revealed that she and other captives endured brutal treatment, starvation, and sleep deprivation.

“I spent five days and five nights at the kidnappers’ den without water and food,” Ms. Joseph narrated. “They beat us, took our phones, and seized other valuables.”

A Journey Turned Nightmare

According to PREMIUMTIMESNG, Ms. Joseph, who had been sworn in at the Kogi NYSC orientation camp on 29 November 2024, was returning to her post after a brief medical leave. She recounted that the journey took a dark turn around 4:30 p.m. when a motorcyclist warned her vehicle's driver of an armed robbery ahead.

“Surprisingly, the driver ignored the warning and kept driving until we encountered the kidnappers,” she said. “They began shooting, and the driver quickly got down, opened the door, and told us to run into the bush.”

Curiously, Ms. Joseph noted that the kidnappers allowed the driver to leave unharmed. “It surprised us that the kidnappers asked our driver to go unhurt. He was not taken hostage,” she added.

NYSC Responds

Mr. Pepple expressed gratitude for Ms. Joseph’s safe return and reaffirmed the NYSC's commitment to the safety of corps members.

“As soon as we were informed of the incident, we acted to ensure her release,” Mr. Pepple said. “We are happy that she is back with her family. The NYSC is a responsible organization, and we treat corps members as our children. She is in high spirits, contrary to reports circulating on social media.”

Call for Safety Measures

The incident highlights the growing security challenges faced by travelers across parts of Nigeria. Ms. Joseph’s story is a sobering reminder of the need for proactive measures to protect citizens, especially NYSC members serving in remote and volatile areas.

The NYSC member expressed appreciation to the authorities for their swift intervention and solidarity during her ordeal.

The Federal Government and security agencies must ensure that incidents like this are curtailed to guarantee the safety of young Nigerians dedicated to national service.

This account serves as a stark reminder of the resilience displayed by corps members and the importance of prioritizing their safety as they continue to contribute to national development.

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