Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has refuted the claim that the Akwa-Ibom State Government and some concerned individuals paid ransom for the release of four out of the eight of the kidnapped Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) in Zamfara State.
The scheme, in a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, declared that the release of the PCMs kidnapped in Zamfara State on their way to orientation camp in Sokoto State was primarily as a result of the combined efforts of the security agents and the management of the scheme.
“It is also noteworthy to state that no state government, individual or agency paid any amount in the guise of ransom before their release.
“The management of NYSC, since their release, is shouldering the responsibility of their medical bills where they are recuperating.
“The management, therefore, disassociates itself from the claim that the Akwa-Ibom State government or any other state government paid money for their release,” the statement read.
Dissociating itself from the appeal for financial help, the management of the scheme wrote: “We are very much aware of different account numbers and names currently being circulated in the public calling for financial donations towards paying ransom for the release of the prospective corps members.
“The NYSC management, therefore, is making an open call to the parents and family members of the kidnapped PCMs, Akwa-Ibom and Zamfara State governments or anybody not to fall prey to the unscrupulous elements who fraudsters are taking undue advantage of the situation to defraud unsuspecting members of the public by calling for donations towards the release of the kidnapped victims.
“It is, however, impressive to note that, so far, the management of NYSC and security agents have succeeded in securing the release of four out of the eight kidnapped PCMs without paying any amount of money and still working relentlessly towards securing the release of the remaining victims in the hands of the kidnappers.
“The NYSC is committed towards the welfare and security of the corps members, and will continue to intensify synergy with security agencies towards the safety of the corps members,” the management of the scheme noted in the statement.