Uyo, Nigeria – Akwa Ibom State graduates, kidnapped in Zamfara State last year while traveling to Sokoto State for their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation, have appealed for employment assistance from the federal and state governments.
Traumatic Experience
The eight corps members, along with their bus driver, were abducted on August 17, 2023, and endured immense torture. They were freed in batches, with Solomon Daniel being the last to be released after a year in captivity.
Survivors’ Accounts
Solomon Daniel recounted eating leaves and drinking contaminated water to survive. “I was held longer than the others due to my refusal to pay ransom. I was transported from Zamfara to Kaduna State through bush paths, guarded by over 10 armed men.”
Victoria Bassey shared, “We drank flood water to stay alive. Even during our menstrual periods, we couldn’t bathe.”
Etim Bassey described the abduction: “Our bus was intercepted at a bad spot in Zamfara. The area was blocked with logs of wood, and armed men in military uniforms ordered us into the forest.”
Appeal for Assistance
The survivors thanked President Bola Tinubu, NYSC Director-General Gen Yusha’u Ahmed, Governor Umo Eno, security operatives, and well-meaning Nigerians for securing their freedom. They appealed for:
1. Gainful employment
2. Assistance to aid their post-traumatic recovery
3. Reforms to make the NYSC scheme safer and more developmental
Advocacy for NYSC Reforms
Matthew Koffi Okono, Founder of Open Forum Care for Humanity Foundation, urged the federal government to reform the NYSC scheme, prioritizing safety and nation-building.
The survivors’ bravery and resilience serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Their appeal for assistance underscores the need for support and protection for vulnerable citizens.
Vanguard.
