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Last of the eight kidnapped corps members rescued in Zamfara
The last of the eight prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) kidnapped in Zamfara State has been rescued.
The eight university graduates and their bus driver were abducted in Zamfara on their way from Uyo, Akwa Ibom to Sokoto for the compulsory one-year national service in August 2023.
Security agents had rescued seven victims before the latest development.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, confirmed the development at a media briefing on Friday in Abuja.
Ahmed said the corps member was rescued on Thursday.
He added that the rescue effort was made possible with collaboration from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Security (DSS), and traditional rulers.
The DG said: “Through the combined efforts of security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army and the NYSC, the mission started with the rescue of the first set of corps members.
“Even though they were abducted at the same time, they were rescued in the following 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.
“Also, Oyo-Obong Udofia was rescued along with the driver of the vehicle on February 3, 2024, Daniel Bassey on February 8, while Glory Thomas regained freedom on June 9.
“Meanwhile, the last PCM, Solomon Bassey, was rescued on Thursday, August 22.”
He added that Bassey was qualified for the NYSC discharge certificate.
“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,” Ahmed added.
He, therefore, expressed gratitude to God, the security agencies, and Nigerians for keeping the faith while the corps members were held in captivity.
On the fate of the kidnappers, he said the culprits had been killed and no arrest had been made to the best of his knowledge.
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