In response to circulating reports alleging the payment of ransom for the release of kidnapped prospective corps members in Zamfara State, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has refuted such claims.
The NYSC clarified that neither the Akwa Ibom State Government nor any individual or agency paid any ransom for the release of the kidnapped victims.
Eddy Megwa, the NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, in a statement on Thursday, said that the release of the prospective corps members abducted while en route to the orientation camp in Sokoto State was achieved through collaborative efforts between security agencies and the NYSC. Megwa emphasized that no financial transaction, under the guise of ransom, was involved in securing their freedom.
The NYSC cautioned the public against falling victim to fraudulent accounts purportedly soliciting financial donations for the release of the kidnapped prospective corps members. The management advised the parents, family members, as well as the governments of Akwa Ibom and Zamfara States, to refrain from responding to fraudulent appeals for donations.
Highlighting the ongoing efforts, Megwa acknowledged the successful release of four out of the eight kidnapped prospective corps members without any ransom payment. The NYSC and security agencies remain resolute in securing the release of the remaining kidnapped individuals from the hands of the abductors.
The statement read in parts; “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 who 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.”
