Efforts Underway to Release Kidnapped Corps Members, Says DG

Juliet Akoje in Abuja.

The Director General of the NYSC,  Brig. Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, yesterday, said the scheme had been working to secure the release of all the Corps members, who were kidnapped in August on their way to their orientation camp in Sokoto.

Speaking at the interactive session with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth development, Ahmed disclosed that all the security agencies were working together in order to secure their release.

“We have full synergy between the agencies. All these things they work together. The only problem is information. Once information is out we will have a seamless situation. The issue of NYSC providing busses might not be possible. It would be subject to budgetary allocation. We will get there as more proactive measures will be put in place.

“Three of the perspective corps members had earlier escaped from the kidnappers while one that was shot was released and is receiving treatment. The Corps members are insured and are fed well,” he said.
Ahmed also announced that there were  plans to increase allowance of corps members but that the scheme was waiting for the increase in minimum wage by the federal government.

He, therefore, solicited the corporation of the National Assembly for the NYSC Trust Fund, which would enable the scheme to empower corps members after the compulsory one year national service, adding that the parents of the kidnapped corps members were happy with efforts made towards the release of their children.

Chairman of the committee, Hon Martins Esin, during his remarks, said the meeting became imperative as the House was worried by the situation.
Esin said “House wants to know what the NYSC scheme was doing towards the release of the corps members and that the NYSC has recorded successes in its fifty years of existence. Anything that brings Nigerians together, as such as the scheme, must be encouraged.”

While urging the NYSC to continue the good work of unifying Nigerians, and keep their eyes on the ball, he said, “This year, House of Representatives is very open to supporting the scheme. I am  was very confident that with the efforts and collaborations being made, the kidnapped Corps Members would soon be reunited with the family”