Barely four months have passed since the abduction of eight graduates from Akwa Ibom State who were on their way to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Sokoto State. The victims, as reported by PUNCH Metro, were kidnapped by gunmen on August 17 while traveling through Zamfara State.
The prospective corps members, traveling in an AKTC bus, became targets on a highway, raising concerns about the safety of such journeys for Nigerian graduates participating in the mandatory national youth service program.
Despite the passage of time, there has been no news of the release of the abducted graduates. Parents and relatives of the victims have expressed growing apprehension, alleging that both the NYSC authorities and security agencies have not taken adequate measures to secure the freedom of their children.
Protests erupted in September as parents took to the streets, citing the significant financial burden of over N13 million incurred in their efforts to secure the release of their children. The kidnappers had demanded N10 million ransom for each of the victims, a sum the parents declared they were unable to raise.
Despite assurances from security agents, none of the abducted graduates has been freed as of December 4, 2023. The situation has triggered a wave of public outcry on social media platforms, with Nigerians expressing frustration over the perceived failure of the government and security agencies to rescue the young graduates.
Social media users have shared their anguish, recounting the ongoing plight of the victims. Some have criticized the government, the NYSC, and the nation as a whole for what they perceive as a failure to protect its youth.
As the saga continues, calls have emerged for a reevaluation of the NYSC scheme, with some Nigerians suggesting alternatives such as allowing individuals to serve within their geopolitical zones or states to enhance safety. The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, has not responded to inquiries regarding the case at the time of filing this report.
