365NEWS has learned that the last of the eight prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from Akwa Ibom State kidnapped in Zamfara State, has finally regained his freedom.
A family member, Mr. Umoh, confirmed the news while in Eket Local Government Area for work. Overjoyed, Umoh shared that his son, Daniel, was released from captivity on Thursday, August 22.
“We were told last week that my boy would be freed this week. As of yesterday (Thursday), we hadn’t heard anything. But this morning, I received the information that he was released on Thursday. I give God all the glory,” he said.
Solomon Bassey Daniel, the only son of a family from Afahaube Itam in Itu Local Government Area, was kidnapped along with seven other prospective corps members on August 17, 2023, while en route to the Sokoto Orientation Camp.
Meanwhile, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced plans to issue discharge certificates to the prospective corps members who were kidnapped and unable to complete their one-year national service. The victims were traveling to Sokoto State for a three-week orientation course when they were ambushed and kidnapped in Zamfara State on August 17, 2023.
The victims included Daniel Etim Bassey (Uruan LGA, University of Nigeria, Nsukka); Obong Victor Udofia (Ikono LGA, University of Uyo); Sabbath Anyaewe Ikan (Eastern Obolo LGA, Akwa Ibom Polytechnic); Abigail Peter Sandy (Abak LGA, Maurid Polytechnic); Glory Etukudo Thomas (Eket LGA, Heritage Polytechnic); Emmanuel Esudue (Urue Offong Oruko LGA); Victoria Bassey Udoka (Ini LGA, University of Uyo); and Solomon Bassey Daniel (Itu LGA, Akwa Ibom Polytechnic).
They were traveling in an Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus when they were ambushed. The captives were released in batches, with the last one gaining freedom this week.
In a press briefing on Friday, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, Director-General of the NYSC, announced that the victims would be issued discharge certificates, as they could no longer be mobilized for service after their ordeal.
He said, “On August 30, 2023, we rescued the first prospective corps member, Emmanuel Esudue; Victoria Bassey Udoka was rescued on October 20, 2023; Abigail Peter Sandy was rescued on December 7, 2023; and Sabbath Anyaewe Ikan was also rescued on December 7, 2023. Obong Victor Udofia was rescued on February 3, 2024; Daniel Bassey on February 8, 2024; and Glory Etukudu Thomas on June 9, 2024. Yesterday, August 22, we rescued the last victim, Solomon Bassey Daniel.”
Ahmed emphasized that no ransom was paid for the release of the corps members, crediting their rescue to the efforts of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigerian Army.
“No state government provided any funds for their rescue, as has been reported in the media. I must state that I have not received one naira from any state government for the rescue of these corps members. No group or organization aided in their rescue apart from the security agencies, particularly the army and the DSS,” he said.
Ahmed added that the corps members were transferred between various kidnappers’ camps, making their rescue more challenging. While no arrests have been made, the gang leader responsible for the kidnapping has been killed.
One of the rescued corps members, Emmanuel Esudue Emmanuel, described the experience as traumatic and expressed gratitude to the NYSC and the security agencies for their efforts in securing their release.
