By Abubakar Yunusa
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.
Gunmen abducted the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members on August 19, as they traveled from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Sokoto State, intending to participate in the mandatory national service.
The father of one kidnapped corps member 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.
The statement 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 endorsed the claim that these abducted corps members have been abandoned by all levels of the Nigerian government, emphasizing the need for urgent action to ensure their safe release.
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