Abducted body member in Zamfara rescued after 1 year of captivity

He made the disclosure at a press conference on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that eight PCMs and their bus driver were kidnapped in August 2023 in Zamfara on their way from Uyo, Akwa Ibom to Sokoto.

They were going for compulsory national service.

Ahmed said the last NYSC member was rescued on Thursday.

He explained that the rescue effort was made possible with the collaboration of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Security (DSS) and traditional rulers.

He added that “through the combined efforts of the security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army and the NYSC, the mission began with the rescue of the first set of corps members.

“Even though they were kidnapped at the same time, they were saved in the next sequence.

“On August 30, 2023, we rescued the first PCM, Esudue Emmanuel, while Victoria Udoka was rescued on October 20, 2023, then Abigail Sandy and Sabina Ika who were rescued on December 7.

“Oyo-Obong Udofia was also rescued with the driver of the vehicle on February 3, 2024, Daniel Bassey on February 8, while Glory Thomas regained her freedom on June 9.

“Meanwhile, the last PCM, Solomon Bassey, was rescued on Thursday, August 23.”

He added that Bassey was qualified for the NYSC discharge certificate.

The Director General noted that no ransom was paid for the release of any of the youth corps members.“No state government has come up with any amount for their rescue as claimed in the media.

“I must state that I have so far not received a naira from any state government in the name of rescuing these corps members.”

Ahmed, therefore, expressed gratitude to God, the security agencies and Nigerians for keeping the faith while the PCMs were held in captivity.

On the fate of the kidnappers, he said the culprits have been killed and no arrest has been made as far as he knows.

Two of the rescued youth corps spoke about their experience.

Estudio Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom said it was a traumatic experience, adding that “I thank Almighty God, the Army and the NYSC for my release.

“I’m also grateful to the media for all their support and all they did to ensure the rescue was successful.”

Victoria Udoka, also from Akwa Ibom, thanked the NYSC boss and the Nigerian Army for securing their release.

Eddy Megavathe NYSC director of information and public relations, said rescuing the last kidnapped PCM was the highlight of his exit from public service.

Megwa, who pulled out of the scheme on Friday, said the scheme went to great lengths to secure their release.

“We have done this to ensure that the operations carried out to free these corps members are smooth and successful and we thank God that they are all here and alive.

“We have seen them and we thank God for the prayers of all Nigerians.

“We thank God for the functioning of the media, the steadfast nature of the parents who believe in the Nigerian government, especially the military, for rescuing these youths.”