The loss of purpose in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program may be met with skepticism, but in a country like Nigeria, the wisdom of deploying young graduates to regions riddled with kidnapping incidents under the guise of national service becomes a poignant question. In a distressing turn of events, the families of eight Akwa Ibom State graduates, who were abducted in Zamfara State on August 17 while en route to the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sokoto, have found solace in fasting and prayer as their children remain captive. Despite paying a ransom of N13 million, the abductors have callously refused to release them, intensifying the anguish of their loved ones. Shockingly, the abductors have now upped the ransom to a staggering N200 million.
One family member, speaking anonymously, revealed their anguish: “We don’t know how we are going to raise that kind of money. Some parents have sold their lands, and some have taken loans to gather the initial N13 million. We have received no government assistance, and now we are faced with this additional demand for N200 million. We are suffering and feeling helpless.”
Worsening the situation is the news that the health of the captive youth is deteriorating due to their harsh conditions. A distraught relative shared, “Our children in captivity told us to pray for them, that they are very weak. We believe in God to help us bring back our children.”
Despite the families’ efforts, they were unable to meet the initial ransom deadline of September 6, prompting an extension to September 9. However, even after two parents delivered the outstanding N8 million, the captors did not release the NYSC members.
This tragic situation has fueled controversy and frustration, with some questioning the government’s failure to protect its citizens and their children. Critics are demanding answers, wondering if the response would be the same if the victims were the children of government officials.
As desperation mounts, some are raising a contentious question: Should the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) be scrapped if the government cannot ensure the safety of its citizens, especially young graduates posted to dangerous areas? This heartbreaking ordeal underscores the urgent need for responsible governance and protection of the nation’s youth.
