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A visibly frustrated Emmanuel Etteh, whose child is among the corps members kidnapped in Zamfara State, has leveled accusations at security agencies and the leadership of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), alleging their lack of concern in this distressing situation.
His daughter was one of eight graduates abducted while en route from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to their NYSC orientation camp in Sokoto on August 19th. Suspected gunmen kidnapped them during the journey, while three other passengers on the Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC) bus they were traveling in managed to escape.
During a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Etteh described the harrowing experience lasting over two weeks as devastating, primarily due to the lack of communication from the authorities.
“It is truly devastating because, as a parent, I am profoundly disappointed by the government. There has been a disturbing silence, with no one addressing or raising questions since this incident occurred,” he expressed.
“Security agencies appear indifferent, the NYSC leadership exhibits a lack of concern, and it seems as though everyone is oblivious to the gravity of the situation.
“All activities continue unabated, and I find myself repeatedly pondering, ‘Is this the kind of government we desire for our nation? Can we truly rely on this level of security for our safety?’ After all, NYSC brought these young individuals out of their homes to Sokoto.
The anguished father expressed his disappointment, expecting the Director General of NYSC to demonstrate a higher level of commitment, as he felt they had fallen short of their obligations.
Etteh further lamented that no one had made an effort to reach out to the parents or engage in a discussion regarding the situation.”
According to him, following the incident, “everyone dispersed” without any communication or sign of the children, as if nothing had occurred.
Calling for government intervention, he expressed, “There is widespread concern, with many individuals seeking answers.
“We eagerly anticipate government action, yet it appears that no tangible steps have been taken to inform the public or the parents about the situation, the government’s potential course of action, or their efforts to secure the release of these children. This is the challenging situation we currently face.”
Etteh recounted the moment he successfully reached his daughter just hours before discovering that she was in the custody of bandits. He emphasized that his repeated attempts to contact her through the same phone number had been futile.
Following the tragic ordeal, the distraught father confirmed to Channels Television that the bandits had demanded a ransom of N4 million for his daughter’s safe release.
An undisclosed military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that a rescue team was actively scouring the forest to ensure the safe and unharmed rescue of the victims.
