Eight young corps members from Akwa Ibom State, who were kidnapped on August 17, 2023, while traveling to Sokoto for their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation, have shared their harrowing experiences after enduring over 100 days in captivity in the forests of Zamfara State. Their ordeal highlights the urgent need for government intervention and support for victims of abduction.
The corps members were ambushed while traveling along the Zamfara highway and subsequently held captive in dire conditions. In interviews following their release, they recounted a nightmare of survival that involved chewing leaves and drinking floodwater to stay alive. "We were fed with grass and had no choice but to drink filthy water. It was a fight for survival every single day," one of the survivors stated.
Despite their ordeal, the corps members expressed gratitude for their eventual release but lamented the lack of government action during their captivity. They noted that while they suffered in the bush, government officials seemed indifferent to their plight. "We felt forgotten by our leaders. It was heartbreaking to see them enjoying life while we were living in fear and suffering," another survivor remarked.
The Akwa Ibom State government has faced criticism for its silence on this issue. While some families of the abducted individuals have sought assistance from security agencies, there has been little public acknowledgment or action from state or federal authorities regarding their plight. This silence has raised concerns among citizens about the safety and welfare of young Nigerians serving their country.
The corps members' plight reflects a broader issue of insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in regions plagued by kidnappings and violence. Activists and community leaders are calling for immediate action from both state and federal governments to enhance security measures and provide better protection for citizens.
As these young individuals reintegrate into society, they carry with them not only the scars of their trauma but also a renewed call for change. "We survived against all odds, but we want our story to be a catalyst for action," one survivor declared.
The Akwa Ibom community stands united in prayer and support for these brave individuals as they begin to heal from their experiences. Their story is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the urgent need for collective action against the scourge of kidnapping in Nigeria.