Fifteen NYSC corps members abducted along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Kogi State have been rescued by security operatives, days after armed assailants reportedly seized them.
The corps members were abducted on Wednesday, August 26, in Ofu Local Government Area while travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja.
They had just completed the NYSC’s mandatory three-week orientation programme at the camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and were heading to their places of deployment when their vehicles came under attack.
One victim recounts ordeal
Following their rescue, some of the corps members spoke about what they experienced while in captivity.
In a video circulating on social media, one of the rescued victims, David Ayodele, described the fear and uncertainty that followed the attack.
According to Ayodele, the group had only recently completed their orientation programme and was travelling towards Abuja when the assailants ambushed their vehicles.
He said the kidnappers warned the corps members against attempting to escape, threatening severe consequences for anyone who tried.
The abductors also allegedly told the victims that they could be held for up to one month, leaving the corps members uncertain about when they would regain their freedom.
Security agents secure their release
The 15 corps members have now regained their freedom following an operation by security personnel.
Their rescue brings an end to several days of uncertainty for their families, colleagues and NYSC officials.
The incident has also renewed attention on the security risks faced by corps members travelling between orientation camps and their deployment locations, particularly along vulnerable inter-state routes.
For the rescued corps members, however, the immediate priority is clear: returning safely to their families and beginning the next stage of their national service.