Rita Odafe
Corps Member Releases Details of Harrowing Kidnapping Experience
Miss Abasifreke Joseph, a corps member, shared her traumatic experience after being abducted on January 9 while traveling on the Enugu-Ezike Road to Kogi. She endured severe conditions and mistreatment by her captors for five days before being freed on January 13.
During a visit from Mr. Sam Pepple, the NYSC Coordinator in Akwa Ibom, Joseph recounted her ordeal, stating, “I spent five days and five nights at the kidnappers’ den without water and food.”
She described how both she and fellow captives faced physical abuse, deprivation of food, and having their personal belongings confiscated, including their mobile phones.
Joseph explained her journey, mentioning that she had been assigned to Kogi for her national youth service and had reported to the orientation camp, where she officially began on November 29, 2024. Due to illness during the orientation, she received permission from the Camp Director to return home for medical care.
On January 9, while heading back to Kogi around 4:30 PM, she received alarming news of a nearby armed robbery from a motorcycle rider. Despite the warning, the bus driver did not heed the caution, leading them directly into the kidnappers’ trap.
As chaos erupted with gunfire, their driver quickly instructed passengers to flee into the bushes and remarkably was allowed to leave unharmed by the abductors.
Expressing her gratitude, Joseph thanked the NYSC for their swift actions and support during her captivity.
Mr. Pepple commented on the situation, expressing relief for Joseph’s safety and reaffirmed the NYSC’s dedication to the welfare of its members, stating, “We took immediate action as soon as we learned of the incident to secure her release. We are relieved she is safe with her family.”
He further emphasized the organization’s commitment to caring for corps members, ensuring they are treated like family, and noted that Joseph was in good spirits upon her return, contrary to other reports circulating on social media.
