By Joyce Ekeh
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has demanded the immediate rescue of 15 National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members reportedly abducted in Kogi State, urging the Federal Government to urgently review the safety arrangements for corps members travelling across the country.
The corps members were reportedly abducted on Wednesday, August 26, while returning from the NYSC orientation camp in Bayelsa State and travelling towards Abuja.
They were said to have been intercepted by armed men along the Ofu/Itobe–Onicha-Igo road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Reacting to the incident, HURIWA described the abduction as another “painful reminder” of the failure to adequately protect young Nigerians serving their country.
The group, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the victims.
“How many more corps members must be kidnapped before the government wakes up?” HURIWA asked.
It said repeated attacks on corps members travelling to their places of primary assignment showed the need for a fundamental review of their movement arrangements, particularly along routes considered high-risk.
HURIWA also proposed air transportation for corps members travelling from areas with serious security threats, arguing that the government should not expose young Nigerians to avoidable dangers while carrying out national service.
“If the Nigerian state cannot guarantee the safety of young Nigerians, why should these youths be forced to travel through highways known to be dangerous?” the group asked.
It further demanded that security agencies intensify search and rescue operations until all 15 corps members are found alive and safely reunited with their families.
HURIWA also called for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
“The government cannot keep posting young Nigerians to dangerous areas and then leave them to face armed kidnappers on the highways. That is unacceptable,” it said.
The organisation urged the Federal Government to introduce safer transportation arrangements nationwide, including air transport where necessary.
“Young Nigerians should not have to choose between serving their country and staying alive,” HURIWA said.
