JUST IN: Kidnapped Corps Members Regain Freedom

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that eight corps members who were kidnapped earlier by unidentified gunmen while travelling from Uyo in Akwa Ibom State to Sokoto State have regained their freedom.

The Director-General of NYSC, YD Ahmed, confirmed this to newsmen on Friday, cautioning Corps Members to avoid nighttime travel.

Ahmed emphasized that the welfare and security of all members will remain the foremost concern of the organization.

“You will remember when these four members were travelling from Uyo in Akwa Ibom to Sokoto.

“They were kidnapped on 17 August 2024 on Funtua Bisau Road in Zamfara State.

“While in Zambara, we collaborated with the Army, Police, DSS and traditional rulers.

“We also had a meeting with the governor of Zambara State regarding the kidnapping of the prospective corps members.

“Consequently, through the combined effort of the security agencies, especially the Nigerian army and the NYSC, the mission started yielding results with the rescue of the first set of prospective four members,” Ahmed stated in a statement issued today.

Landlord’s Son Rapes Female NYSC Member In Akwa Ibom

In other news, a 44-year-old individual identified as Paul Edu has been reportedly apprehended by the Akwa Ibom State command of the Nigeria Police Force on charges of alleged sexual assault against a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, disclosed this development during a recent briefing with journalists at the command’s headquarters in Ikot Akpan, Abia, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday.

According to him, the accused, who is the son of the landlord of the individual who was assaulted, was detained on Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Ukana Iba village, Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, around 3:15 am.

The police boss disclosed that the incident occurred after the suspect forced the victim to his residence, where he engaged in sexual activity with her.

He said, “On 20/7/2024 at about 3:15 pm, a National Youth Service Corps member residing at Ukana Iba village in Essien Udim reported that at about 3:00 am, one Paul Samuel Edu, 44yrs (her landlord’s son) came knocking at her door.

“That on opening the door, the said Paul brandished her with a machete and directed her to follow him to his room for a talk or else he would harm her.

“On reaching the suspect’s room, he bolted the door, tore her clothes and had carnal knowledge without her consent. The suspect was arrested, and one machete and a slaughter knife were recovered from him. The investigation is ongoing.”

The CP also announced other breakthroughs recorded by the command within the period under review, including the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and recovery of firearms, the arrest of suspects for vandalisation, the arrest of an armed robbery syndicate and child trafficking suspects, among others.