- The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) denies any ransom payment for the release of abducted Prospective Corps Members in Zamfara
- NYSC clarifies that the rescue of the kidnapped members was facilitated in collaboration with security agencies, refuting ransom claims
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has vehemently denied the payment of any ransom for the release of Sokoto-bound Prospective Corps Members (PCM) who were abducted in Zamfara and later regained freedom.
The Director of Press and Public Relations at NYSC, Mr. Eddy Megwa, clarified the situation in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
In August, gunmen kidnapped eight PCMs and a bus driver in Zamfara while they were en route from Uyo, Akwa Ibom, to Sokoto for the commencement of the one-year national service orientation course.
Megwa highlighted that recent news suggesting that the Akwa Ibom Government and concerned individuals paid for the release of the kidnapped youth corps members is inaccurate. He stressed that the NYSC, in collaboration with security agents, played a pivotal role in securing their release.
Contrary to speculations, no state government, individual, or agency paid no ransom. The NYSC management is covering the medical bills of the rescued PCMs during their recovery.
The NYSC director disassociated the scheme from claims that financial contributions were needed for the release, cautioning against falling prey to fraudulent appeals circulating in public spaces. He emphasized that the NYSC, along with security agents, successfully secured the release of four out of the eight kidnapped members without any monetary exchange.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining youth corps members, Megwa assured the public of the NYSC’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and security of its members. The scheme pledged to collaborate closely with security agencies to achieve its objectives.