The Benue State Police Command on Friday, confirmed the rescue of all the 20 medical students and the House Officer that were abducted in Otukpo LGA of the State about a week ago.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Sewuese Anene in a text message to Arise News wrote, “Kidnap Victims rescued. Details will be released tomorrow morning please.”
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun had on Wednesday, deployed Tactical Squad for the rescue operation.
Anene had said the tactical squad, deployed to the state by Egbetokun, in collaboration with other officers on the ground, had intensified and doubled their efforts to rescue all the students.
Meanwhile, the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) has announced the release of the last victim of the eight prospective corps members who were kidnapped on August 17, 2023 on their way from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to Zamfara along the Funtua-Sokoto-Gusua Road
NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, broke the news to the journalists during a press conference on Friday, in Abuja.
According to him, the rescue was in sequence.
“They were rescued in the following sequence.
Even though they were taken at the same time, they were rescued in the following sequence.
“On the 30th of August, 2023, we rescued the first prospective co-member, Esundwe Emmanuel Emmanuel, Victoria Basi Oduka was rescued on the 20th of October, 2023.
Abigail Hita Sandi was rescued on the 7th of December, 2023. Sabina Aniyewe Ika was equally rescued on the 7th of December, 2023.
“Obong Victoria Odukia was rescued on the 3rd of February, 2024. Daniel Etienne Basi was rescued on the 8th of February, 2024. Ngunori Etukudu.
“Thomas was rescued on the 9th of June, 2024. Let me also add that Obong was rescued along with the driver of the bus that was driving the bus. That brings the total of eight of them.
“On the 17th of August, 2024, we collaborated with the army, police, DSS, and traditional rulers. We also had a meeting with the Governor of Zamfara regarding the kidnapping of the co-members. Through the combined efforts of the security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army and the NYSE, the mission started with the rescue of the first set of corp members.
“Yesterday, 22nd August 2024, we rescued the last person who is Solomon Daniel Basi. He is here with us. I would like us to bear the following points.”
According to the Director General, no ransom was paid and no state government or parent gave the scheme money
“There was no payment of ransom in the rescue of all the prospective corps members. No state government brought any amount for their rescue as claimed in the media. I must state that I have not received one naira from any state government so far in the name of the rescue of these corps members. No group of people or organisations aided the rescue of the prospective corps members apart from the security agencies, particularly the Army and the DSS.
“We in NYSC did not receive any form of aid or financial assistance while prosecuting their rescue,” he said
He appreciated the efforts of the military, Department of State Security (DSS), and the National Security Adviser.
“I would like to express my appreciation to Almighty God for making the rescue of my beloved prospective co-members a reality. The NYIC family is highly indebted to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his great support and inspiring leadership.
“My huge appreciation also goes to the National Security Adviser for his great leadership. I know on several occasions I went to his office, he gave advice, and at times he put up a call to me to support and ensure that I continue with the cause that we are doing.
“My huge appreciation also goes to the Chief of Army Staff for his professional guidance and leadership in the rescue operations. Anytime effort is being made, it is the army that is in the front. And they always ensure that logistics are provided. We appreciate the support received from the Director, DSS and his men towards the rescue of the prospective corps members.
“We also appreciate the Chairman and members of the Senate and House Committee on Youth Development for their unwavering support throughout the planning period.
“I appreciate all the security agencies for their tactical support on this rescue mission,” he said.
Speaking earlier he said, “You are aware that over the years, we have lost many corps members due to motor accidents. NYSC policy of co-members not to travel at night is still in force.
“We continue to advise our respective co-members and those who are serving co-members to desist from travel at night because of the risk attached to it.
“The welfare and security of co-members continue to be our priority.”
Two of the victims, Victoria Udoka and Esueue Emmanuel Emmanuel, said their experience in captivity was very traumatic and appreciated the DG, NYSC, and all the security agencies for not giving up on their rescue
Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole
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