National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has debunked the news making the rounds in the public that Akwa Ibom State government and some concerned individuals paid for the release of the kidnapped prospective corps members in Zamfara State.
It said the release of the prospective corps members kidnapped in Zamfara on their way to report at orientation camp in Sokoto State was primarily on the combined effort of the security agents and the National Youth Service Corps.
NYSC director, Press and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, in a press statement, yesterday, said no state government, individual or agency paid any amount in the guise of ransom before their release.
The statement reads in part; “The management of National Youth Service Corps, since their release, is shouldering the responsibility of their medical bills where they are recuperating.
“The management therefore disassociates itself from the claim that Akwa Ibom State Government or any other state Government paid money for their release.
“The management of the scheme is very much aware of different account numbers and names currently being circulated in the public calling for financial donations towards paying ransom for the release of the prospective corps members.
“The NYSC management therefore is making an open call to the parents and family members of the kidnapped prospective corps members, Akwa Ibom, Zamfara State Governments or anybody not to fall prey to the unscrupulous elements, fraudsters taking undue advantage of the situation to defraud unsuspecting members of the public by calling for donation towards the release of the kidnapped prospective corps members.
“It is however impressive to note that so far the management of national Youth Service corps and security agents have succeeded in securing the release of four (4) out of the eight (8) kidnapped prospective corps members without paying any amount of money and still working relentlessly towards securing the release of the remaining prospective corps members in the hands of the kidnappers.”
