- Warns Nigerians over financial contribution appeal for ransom payment
From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed reports that Akwa-Ibom state government and some concerned individuals paid ransom for the release of the kidnapped Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) in Zamfara State.
The scheme, in a statement signed by Eddy Megwa, Director, Press and Public Relations, declared that the release of the PCMs kidnapped in Zamfara State on their way to orientation camp in Sokoto State was primarily combined effort of the security agents and the 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 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, Zamfara State governments or anybody not to fall prey to the unscrupulous elements who fraudsters taking undue advantage of the situation to defraud unsuspecting members of the public by calling for donation 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 ever 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.