LAGOS, Nigeria — Emmanuel Etteh, the father of a National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member kidnapped in Zamfara State, has accused both security agencies and the leadership of the NYSC of showing a lack of concern for the abducted corps members.
During a live interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, September 4, 2023, Etteh expressed his frustration over the apparent indifference from authorities about the kidnapping incident, which took place on August 19.
His daughter was one of eight corps members abducted while traveling from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to their NYSC orientation camp in Sokoto.
“It’s devastating as a parent. The government, the security agencies, and NYSC are not showing any level of seriousness or concern,” Etteh said.
Three passengers managed to escape during the kidnapping incident, but no official statements or actions have followed for over two weeks.
Etteh said he expected the Director General of the NYSC to take some action and was disappointed at the lack of communication from all authorities involved.
“Is this the type of government we want for our country? Is this the type of security we can feel safer with?” he questioned.
Call for Government Intervention
Emmanuel Etteh’s interview has reignited public concerns over the security of NYSC members deployed to volatile regions.
He called for immediate government intervention, lamenting that nobody had contacted the parents or discussed the situation since the incident occurred.
“We are expecting the government to act, but nobody seems to act and address the nation or the parents on what happened, what the government is likely to do, or what they are doing to free these children. That is the state we find ourselves in now,” Etteh added.
He also revealed that the kidnappers had demanded N4 million as ransom for releasing his daughter, emphasizing the dire straits that the family finds itself in.
A military source, speaking anonymously, confirmed that a rescue operation is underway, but no further details were provided.
Mounting Public Pressure
The kidnapping has sparked outrage and led to calls for enhanced security measures for NYSC members, especially those deployed to regions with high security risks.
The case also raises questions about the NYSC’s deployment policies and whether sufficient efforts are being made to ensure the safety of corps members.
As public pressure mounts, the NYSC and the Nigerian government face increased scrutiny over their handling of this and other security-related issues.
The coming days will likely be crucial in determining whether their response can restore public faith in their ability to protect Nigeria’s youth and uphold the law.
