A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Akwa Ibom State has bravely shared the harrowing details of his kidnapping experience, which occurred in early January 2025. The corps member, whose identity is being withheld for security reasons, was abducted while traveling to his place of primary assignment in the state.
In an emotional recount, the young man described the terror and uncertainty he endured during the days he was held captive. According to his account, he was ambushed on a rural road by a group of armed men who took him hostage, demanding a substantial ransom for his release. The incident occurred late in the evening, and the kidnappers swiftly moved him to a remote location in the dense forests of the state, where he and other victims were held in deplorable conditions.
The kidnapped corps member revealed that he was kept in a confined, dark space with little to no food or water. He described the constant fear for his life, as the kidnappers made threats to kill him if their demands were not met. His captors, he explained, were ruthless and hostile, making it clear that they were only interested in the ransom and had no regard for human life.
Despite the grim circumstances, the corps member remained hopeful and prayed for his release. He expressed gratitude for the swift response of the security agencies, who worked tirelessly to negotiate his freedom. After several days in captivity, the efforts of law enforcement and his family paid off when the kidnappers finally released him after receiving a ransom payment. He was rescued by security personnel, who managed to trace the location of his captors through intelligence gathering.
The corps member has since been reunited with his family and has received medical care for the physical and emotional trauma sustained during his captivity. He thanked the authorities, including the police and NYSC officials, for their support during the ordeal.
In a statement after his release, the young man urged the government and relevant authorities to do more to secure the safety of citizens, especially those serving in remote areas. He highlighted the growing trend of abductions in the region and called for stronger measures to combat kidnapping and improve the safety of NYSC members across the country.
The kidnapping incident has sparked widespread outrage in Akwa Ibom and beyond, with many residents and concerned citizens expressing their support for the victim. The state government has promised to strengthen security measures and ensure that perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice.
As investigations into the abduction continue, the incident has once again brought the issue of insecurity to the forefront of national conversations, especially regarding the safety of young people deployed to remote areas for their NYSC service. The Nigerian government is under increasing pressure to address the growing threat posed by criminal elements in the country.
