Miss Abasifreke Joseph, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, recounted her harrowing experience after being kidnapped on January 9, along Enugu-Ezike Road.
Joseph, who was traveling to Kogi for her service, spent five days in captivity, enduring torture and extreme hunger at the hands of her captors.
Joseph was freed on January 13 and shared her ordeal during a visit from Mr. Sam Pepple, the NYSC Coordinator in Akwa Ibom.
She explained that during her five days in captivity, she was deprived of food and water, subjected to physical abuse, and stripped of her mobile phone and valuables.
“I was posted to Kogi for national youth service, and I reported to the orientation camp, where I was sworn in on November 29, 2024,” Joseph said. “During the course, I fell ill and received approval from the Camp Director to travel home for medical attention. I was returning to Kogi when the incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. along Enugu-Ezike Road in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area.”
Joseph described the moment when the bus she was traveling in encountered armed robbers.
A motorcycle rider had warned them of the impending danger, but the driver continued despite the advice.
The kidnappers began shooting, forcing the driver to abandon the vehicle and order the passengers to flee into the bush.
Remarkably, Joseph revealed that the kidnappers allowed the driver to go unharmed, but the passengers were taken hostage.
Expressing gratitude to the NYSC for their swift intervention, Joseph said, “I’m thankful for their prompt response and the solidarity they showed during this ordeal.”
Mr. Pepple praised Joseph’s resilience and thanked God for her safe return.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our members. Once we learned of the incident, we took immediate action to secure her release. We are happy she is now home with her family.” He added that Joseph was in high spirits and in good health, contrary to some reports circulating on social media.
The NYSC has reiterated its dedication to the welfare of its members, vowing to continue providing care and support for those facing such challenges during their service year.
This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by travelers in certain regions, particularly along major highways in Nigeria, where kidnappers remain a significant threat.