CERON appeals to President Tinubu for rescue of NYSC members kidnapped in Zamfara

The Campaign for Equal Rights and Opportunities for all Nigerians (CERON) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene and ensure the safe return of six prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from Akwa Ibom State who were abducted six months ago in Zamfara State.

The victims, along with their bus driver, were en route from Akwa Ibom State to Sokoto State for the mandatory one-year youth service when they were intercepted in Zamfara State on August 17, 2023, by armed men who are now demanding N70 million for their release.

Recent reports indicate that the abductors have threatened to harm the hostages one by one if their parents fail to pay the ransom. In response to these developments, Francis Odiir, the Secretary of CERON, expressed concern in a statement on Monday. He questioned the lack of action from both the Federal and Akwa Ibom State Governments, describing it as the “peak of insensitivity to the plight of the ordinary Nigerian.”

Odiir expressed disbelief at the government’s failure to ensure the release of the kidnapped youth corpers who responded to the government’s call for national service. He emphasized that the parents had made efforts to secure their release by paying some money but found themselves unable to meet the escalating demands.

CERON condemned the indifferent attitude of both the Federal and Akwa Ibom State governments towards the plight of the abducted youth corpers and their driver. The organization appealed to President Bola Tinubu to step in and secure their safe return to their families. They underscored the importance of acting swiftly to prevent the tragic outcome of allowing these young Nigerians to perish in the hands of their heartless abductors.

The statement highlighted the potential consequences of neglecting the situation, emphasizing that it could send a distressing message to all Nigerians, especially parents. CERON warned that if these youths are left to perish, it could erode the spirit of patriotism among ordinary Nigerians, making them hesitant to respond to calls for national service.

Source: Elite Times