Abasifreke Joseph, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member abducted on January 9 along Enugu-Ezike Road in Enugu State, has recounted the harrowing experience of her abduction, during which she was tortured and starved for five days.
Joseph, who was released on January 13, shared her ordeal during a visit by the NYSC Coordinator in Akwa Ibom State, Sam Pepple, at her home in Abak. She described the inhumane conditions she endured while held captive.
“I spent five days and five nights at the kidnappers’ den without water and food,” she said. The kidnappers also beat her and others held hostage and confiscated their mobile phones and valuables.
How It Happened
Joseph explained that she was on her way back to Kogi State, where she had been deployed for her NYSC program. After reporting to the orientation camp and being sworn in on November 29, 2024, she had to leave camp for medical reasons with the permission of the camp director.
While returning to Kogi on January 9, her journey took a tragic turn around 4:30 p.m. along Enugu-Ezike Road in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area. She narrated how a motorcycle rider warned their bus driver about an armed robbery attack ahead, but the driver ignored the warning and proceeded.
“When they started shooting, our driver quickly came down from the vehicle, opened the door, and asked us to run into the bush,” she recounted. “Surprisingly, the kidnappers allowed the driver to leave unharmed while taking us hostage.”
NYSC’s Response
During the visit, NYSC Coordinator Sam Pepple expressed gratitude for Joseph’s safe return, thanking God for sparing her life. He assured her and her family of NYSC’s commitment to the safety and welfare of its members
“As soon as we were informed of the incident, we acted promptly to ensure her release. We are glad she is back and in good condition,” Pepple said. He also dismissed exaggerated reports on social media, noting that Joseph was in high spirits despite her ordeal.
Pepple reaffirmed NYSC’s dedication to the well-being of corps members, stating, “We treat corps members as our children, and the NYSC knows what to do to support her moving forward.”
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of NYSC members, particularly in areas prone to insecurity. However, Joseph expressed her gratitude to the NYSC authorities for their solidarity and timely intervention during her distressing experience.