Abasifreke Joseph, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who was kidnapped with other victims in Enugu State’s Igbo Eze North Local Government Area, has spoken out about her ordeal in captivity.
On January 9, 2025, the victim was abducted while traveling to Kogi State along the Enugu-Ezike road.
The corps member, who was released on January 13, delivered the narration in Abak on Sunday, January 19, during a visit by Mr Sam Pepple, the NYSC Coordinator in Akwa Ibom.
“I spent five days and five nights at the kidnappers’ den without water and food,” she narrated.
The corps member claimed she and the other hostages were abused and stripped of their mobile phones and other items.
“I was posted to Kogi for national youth service, I reported at the orientation camp, and was sworn in on November 29, 2024.”
“I became sick while the orientation course was ongoing, so I got the permission and approval of the Camp Director to travel home for medical attention.
“I was returning to Kogi on Jan. 9, and the incident happened at about 4.30p.m along Enugu-Ezike Road in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area,” she said.
‘’While the journey was ongoing, a motorcycle rider broke the news of an armed robbery attack in front, but surprisingly, the driver of our bus did not listen and kept going forward until they ran into the kidnappers.
“When they started shooting, our driver quickly came down from the vehicle, opened the door and asked us to run into the bush. It also surprised us that the kidnappers asked our driver to go unhurt, he was not taken hostage,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the NYSC system for its swift response and solidarity during her hardship.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
