Gunmen Kidnap NYSC Members in Kogi, 11 Rescued

On Wednesday, armed gunmen kidnapped several National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi State. The corps members had just completed their orientation at the NYSC camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA and were traveling back when they were abducted.

Kogi police spokesperson Saliu Afusat reported that the attackers struck around 4:40 pm near Ogene Zaria, blocking two buses and abducting some passengers while others escaped. A rescue operation was launched immediately, resulting in the successful rescue of 11 victims, including the drivers of the buses.

Most of those freed were corps members, but the total number initially taken remains unconfirmed. The Kogi police command has deployed all available resources to locate and free those still held.

The abduction has caused distress on social media, with family members urging for urgent government intervention, and reports indicate that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N20 million. As of the report, the NYSC had not issued a public statement regarding the incident.