A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Abasifreke Joseph, who was kidnapped alongside other victims in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, has recounted her ordeal in captivity.
The victim was abducted along Enugu-Ezike road on January 9, 2025, while on her way to Kogi State.
The corps member who was released on January 13, gave the narration in Abak, on Sunday, January 19, when Mr Sam Pepple, the NYSC Coordinator in Akwa Ibom, visited her.
“I spent five days and five nights at the kidnappers’ den without water and food,” she narrated.
The corps member said she and other hostages were beaten and dispossessed of their mobile phones and other valuables.
“I was posted to Kogi for national youth service, I reported at the orientation camp, and was sworn in on November 29, 2024.”
“I became sick while the orientation course was ongoing, so I got the permission and approval of the Camp Director to travel home for medical attention.
“I was returning to Kogi on Jan. 9, and the incident happened at about 4.30p.m along Enugu-Ezike Road in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area,” she said.
‘’While the journey was ongoing, a motorcycle rider broke the news of an armed robbery attack in front, but surprisingly, the driver of our bus did not listen and kept going forward until they ran into the kidnappers.
“When they started shooting, our driver quickly came down from the vehicle, opened the door and asked us to run into the bush. It also surprised us that the kidnappers asked our driver to go unhurt, he was not taken hostage,” she said.
She expressed her appreciation to the NYSC scheme for its prompt response and solidarity during her ordeal.
Source: Linda Ikeji
