The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig Gen Yushau Ahmed, disclosed that three out of the eight corpers who were kidnapped in Zamfara, North West Nigeria have successfully escaped and are now safely back home.
Brig Gen Ahmed further revealed that one of the kidnapped corps members who had sustained gunshot injuries has been released and is currently receiving medical treatment and recovering.
The NYSC Director General made these remarks during an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Youths on Thursday.
Prior to this, the chairman of the committee, Martins Esin, expressed concern about the abduction of the eight corpers in Zamfara State and requested an update on the situation.
In response, the NYSC DG expressed his optimism regarding the collaboration among security agencies, noting that they are working diligently to resolve the matter within a short period. He also highlighted the challenge faced in securing the release of the abducted corpers, which he assured they are working to address by improving the flow of information.
“Once information is disseminated effectively, we will be able to have a more coordinated approach,” Brig Gen Ahmed stated confidently.
Regarding concerns raised by Clement Jimboh (Akwa Ibom) about providing buses for corps members to enhance their security, the NYSC DG explained that it may not be feasible at the moment due to financial constraints. However, he assured that proactive measures will be implemented as soon as budgetary allocations permit.
As part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the welfare of corpers, the Director General affirmed that plans are underway to increase their allowances, which will be implemented once the new minimum wage is announced.
Furthermore, he called for the cooperation of the National Assembly in establishing the NYSC Trust Fund, which aims to empower corps members after the completion of their compulsory one-year national service.
The committee urged the NYSC management to visit the families of the kidnapped corps members to express empathy. They further assured the families of the government’s commitment to rescuing their children from the hands of the bandits.