The kidnapping of two graduates of Benue State University while en route to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps in Kebbi and Sokoto states has been confirmed by the Zamfara State Police Command.
On Saturday, the command verified this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Muhammed Shehu.
The police revealed this during a visit to the NYSC camp in Tsafe, Gusau, the state capital, by the Commissioner of Police, Ayuba Elkana.
The corps members were traveling on the Tsafe-Gusau route when the gunmen attacked their car and kidnapped them along with two others.
“Report received by the Zamfara State Police Command from the State NYSC Coordinator indicated that two (2) Prospective NYSC Corp Members deployed from Benue State to Kebbi and the Sokoto States were among the victims of abduction along Tsafe – Gusau Road on Tuesday 19th October 2021 at about 2230 hours,” the statement read.
Jennifer Iorliam and Joseph Aondona were recognized as the abducted corps members.
Judith Benson, Iorliam’s elder sister, told Punch Newspaper that the kidnappers phoned her family and demanded N2 million in ransom.
Judith revealed that the kidnappers had originally sought N3m but had dropped their demand to N2m after repeated appeals.
“They told us they would wait somewhere in Gusau where there is network till tomorrow (Friday) and if they didn’t hear from us they would take them back to the bush.
“They said they wanted cash and that one person should bring the ransom to Gusau,” Judith said.
The development occurred despite the state’s telecommunications being shut down as a security precaution.
According to the Zamfara Commissioner of Police, an inquiry into the event has begun in order to determine the exact number of corps members abducted.
“Similarly, a joint search and rescue operation is ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of Corp members along other abducted victims.
“The CP in his address to the Prospective Corp Members assures them of more Police commitment to safeguarding their lives and enjoins them to be security conscious of themselves,” the statement read.
