Eight National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were kidnapped along a highway in Zamfara State on Saturday, August 26, 2023. The victims were traveling from Uyo, Akwa Ibom, to Sokoto State, to take part in the mandatory National Service when their vehicle was intercepted by bandits.
One of the victims, Glory Etukudo Thomas, has been identified as the daughter of Emmanuel Etteh. Etteh said the bandits called him with their number and demanded a N4 million ransom to secure her release.
He said he spoke with his daughter, and she told him that the bandits asked him to contact the AKTC bus company. Etteh said he has not spoken to his daughter since the ransom demand was made.
A military source has confirmed the abduction and said a rescue team is combing the forest in order to rescue the victims unharmed.
The kidnapping of the NYSC members is the latest in a series of attacks by bandits in Zamfara State. In recent months, bandits have kidnapped dozens of people and killed many others. The attacks have caused widespread fear and insecurity in the state.
The government has vowed to take action to stop the attacks, but so far, the bandits have continued to operate with impunity. The kidnapping of the NYSC members is a reminder of the serious security challenges facing Nigeria.
