Gunmen abduct eight graduates on their way to NYSC camp in Sokoto

Eight graduates set to embark on their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) journey were reportedly abducted by gunmen while en route to their orientation camp in Sokoto.

The incident occurred under the cover of night on the outskirts of Zamfara, where the victims were traveling in an Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus from Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state.

According to Eddy Megwa, the Director of Press at the NYSC headquarters, the unfortunate event took place over the weekend as the unsuspecting graduates were making their way to the designated orientation camp.

The bus was ambushed by armed gunmen who intercepted their journey, seizing eight of the passengers while three managed to escape the harrowing situation.

Megwa further disclosed that the Director-General of the NYSC has swiftly taken action to address the situation, traveling to Zamfara to collaborate with local security agencies in efforts to secure the release of the abducted graduates.

NYSC Director-General said;

“It happened on Saturday just before Gusau road in Zamfara. Two days ago when the director-general heard about it, he relocated to Zamfara to work with the security agencies trying to secure their release.

“He’s also in touch with the families of the prospective corps members. We’re hoping that, in no time, they would be released.

“The issue is that we have always been against night travel. It is risky and wrong. Their call-up letter specifically says that they should rest and continue the next day once it gets dark during their trips. Times are bad. Even we as officers stop our trips once it’s 6pm.

“We feel so bad for what the corps members are going through. We assure the public that, with the DG’s intervention, we will secure their release.”