The National Youth Service Corps ,NYSC, have confirmed the rescue of Solomon Daniel Bassey, the last of eight corps members abducted on August 17, 2023, in Zamfara State on their way to orientation camp in Sokoto State.
Daily Intel Newspaper recall that the eight corps members were 11 when eight of them and the driver was intercepted by bandits but three of the corps members escaped during the attack.
NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, while addressing journalists on Friday said all the corps members rescued from Zamfara State would be issued discharge certificates.
The NYSC Director General said after all the rescued corps members had gone through in the hands of their captors, they could not be mobilised for service again but to be given their discharge certificates.
He said the corps members were rescued through the combined efforts of the NYSC, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Police, Department of State Services and traditional rulers.
“On August 22, we rescued the last corps member in a set of eight, Solomon Daniel Bassey,” he said.
“On the 30th of August, 2023, we rescued the first prospective corps member, Emmanuel Emmanuel Esudue.
“Victoria Bassey Udoka was rescued on the 20th of October, 2023. Abigail Peter Sandy was rescued on the 7th of December, 2023. Sabbath Anyaewe Ikan was equally rescued on the 7th of December, 2023.
“Obong Victor Udofia was rescued on the 3rd of February, 2024. Daniel Bassey was rescued on the 8th of February, 2024. Glory Etukudu Thomas was rescued on the 9th of June, 2024.
“Yesterday (August 22), we rescued the last person who is Solomon Daniel Bassey,” the NYSC boss added.
He further said no ransom payment was paid for the rescued corps members.
“No state government brought any amount for their rescue as claimed in the media. I must state that I have not received one naira from any state government so far in the name of the rescue of these corps members. No group of people or organisation aided in the rescue of the prospective corps members apart from the security agencies, particularly the army and the DSS,” he said.
According to him, the corps members were transferred from one camp to the other during the period, saying this was why they were not rescued from one place.
He reaffirmed that the welfare and security of all NYSC members remained the scheme’s top priority “You will remember when these corps members were travelling from Uyo in Akwa Ibom to Sokoto. They were kidnapped on August 17, 2024, on Funtua Bisau Road in Zamfara State.”
