In a shocking incident that unfolded on Saturday, a group of armed individuals abducted a total of eight National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along a highway in Zamfara State, situated in Nigeria’s North-west region.
The targeted corps members were traveling aboard an AKTC bus, which was en route from Uyo in Akwa Ibom State to Sokoto State, with a scheduled stop in Zamfara State for their mandatory national service. The unfortunate abduction occurred when their bus was intercepted on a Zamfara highway, according to sources from PREMIUM TIMES.
A confidential source within the transportation company confirmed the distressing occurrence to reporters on Monday morning. The informant, who chose to remain anonymous due to lack of authorization, revealed that there were originally 11 corps members onboard, but three managed to escape the clutches of the assailants. Shockingly, not only the corps members but also the bus driver fell victim to the abduction.
The abducted corps members were forcibly removed from the bus and taken into the nearby wilderness, leaving the bus behind, the source shared. Fortunately, local law enforcement was able to recover the abandoned bus.
The harrowing journey began when the group embarked on their trip from Uyo on a Friday, spending the night in Abuja. Tragedy struck as they continued their journey towards Sokoto, culminating in their abduction.
Authorities have been notified of the incident, with government officials and security agencies taking action to address the situation.
Adding to the growing concern, a Facebook user identified as Malachy Blessed disclosed on Sunday that one of the abducted corps members, Emmanuel Esudue, was a graduate of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from Akwa Ibom State University. Friends and family had been unable to reach him since Thursday.
Another victim was identified as Betty Udofia. Edidiong Richard, a Facebook user, reported that the kidnappers had reached out to Ms. Udofia’s parents, demanding a ransom of N4 million for her release.
