
Miss Abasifreke Joseph, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member abducted on January 9 along the Enugu-Ezike Road in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area, has shared harrowing details of her captivity.
Speaking on Sunday in Abak, Akwa Ibom State, during a visit by the NYSC Coordinator, Sam Pepple, Joseph revealed she endured five days of torture, hunger, and deprivation at the hands of her kidnappers before her release on January 13.
“I spent five days and nights without food or water. We were beaten, starved, and stripped of our mobile phones and other belongings,” Joseph recounted.
The corps member, who was posted to Kogi State and had sworn in for her service year on November 29, 2024, explained that she had returned home for medical attention after falling ill during the orientation camp. Her journey back to Kogi turned into a nightmare when her bus was ambushed.
“A motorcyclist warned our bus driver about an armed robbery ahead, but he ignored the warning. Moments later, we encountered the kidnappers. They began shooting, and the driver opened the bus door, telling us to run into the bush,” she narrated.
Joseph added that while passengers were taken hostage, the driver was released unharmed, a detail that puzzled the victims.
During the visit, Pepple expressed gratitude for Joseph’s safe return and reiterated NYSC’s commitment to corps members’ welfare and safety.
“As soon as we received information about her abduction, we acted swiftly to secure her release. We thank God she is back with her family. She is in high spirits and doing well, contrary to some social media reports,” Pepple stated.
He assured the public that the NYSC would continue prioritizing the safety of its members while providing the necessary support to those affected by such incidents.
Joseph also thanked the NYSC for its prompt intervention and solidarity during her ordeal.
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