The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to expedite the release of eight corps members who were kidnapped in Zamfara State four months ago while en route to the camp.
The EXPLAINER gathered that gunmen abducted the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members on August 19, on their way from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State, for the mandatory NYSC scheme.
The father of one kidnapped Corps member, Emmanuel Etteh expressed disappointment in “the lack of concern shown by security agencies and the NYSC leadership”.
In a statement released in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, criticized “the nonchalant disposition” of the Zamfara State governor and government towards securing the release of the abducted corps members.
He highlighted the alarming situation in Zamfara State, where residents reportedly pay protection taxes to terrorists, leading to kidnappings if the agreement is not fulfilled.
HURIWA further expressed concern about the demand for a N10 million ransom per victim by the abductors and revealed that a total of N30.8 million has already been paid by the victims’ families.
The group emphasized the dire situation faced by the parents and family members and condemned the lack of transparent and concrete steps taken by the government to save the lives of the young graduates.
The Rights group reiterated the claim that the abducted corps members have been abandoned by all levels of the Nigerian government, emphasizing the need for urgent action to ensure their safe release.
