Kogi NYSC Abduction: Sister Pleads for Rescue Amid Ransom Demands

Family members of abducted National Youth Service Corps members are making urgent appeals to the Federal Government and Nigerian security agencies following a violent kidnapping along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The victims' relatives are urging authorities to step up rescue operations as several corps members remain held in the forest.

Chidinma, whose sister is among those missing, publicly refuted online reports suggesting that all abducted individuals had been saved. In emotional statements shared on social media, she called on the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Air Force, the NYSC management, and the United Nations to intervene immediately. She emphasized that her family is still grieving the recent death of their mother and cannot endure another tragedy.

The attack occurred as the corps members were travelling from their three-week NYSC orientation camp in Bayelsa State toward Abuja, prior to reporting to their Place of Primary Assignment in Niger State. Armed hoodlums emerged from the bush, blocked two commercial vehicles travelling in opposite directions, and opened fire, killing one driver before dragging multiple passengers into the bush.

According to Chidinma, the kidnappers have made contact with the victims' families, demanding exorbitant ransom payments that they cannot afford. She expressed frustration over the lack of actionable feedback from law enforcement and the NYSC, stating that the government must take direct responsibility for securing the release of corps members who are serving the nation.

The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the abduction and announced that a joint security team led by the Divisional Police Officer in Ofu initiated an immediate rescue operation upon receiving a distress call. Police spokesperson ASP Salisu Oyiza Afusat stated that 11 victims, including bus drivers and several NYSC members, were rescued during initial bush-combing efforts in the Ogene Zaria area.

Law enforcement officers recovered two abandoned commercial vehicles at the scene, including a Peace Mass Transit white Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus. The police command reported that the rescued victims were debriefed and permitted to proceed with their travel. Active search and intelligence operations remain ongoing across the forest area to ensure the safe recovery of all remaining captives and the arrest of the attackers.

#NYSC #KogiState #Nigeria #Abduction #KogiPolice #Chidinma #Security