NYSC members kidnapped by alleged rogue police

By Samuel Ogunsona

A group of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling from Warri in Delta State to Port Harcourt claimed they were kidnapped by rogue police officers.

The corpers in their narration said the police officers successfully obtained 10 million naira ransom from their relatives.

The extortion which has left many stunned and outraged, occurred in broad daylight, the Corps members said in their interview obtained by Irohinoodua.

One Harrison who claim to be a relationship of the family of one of the corpers said the kidnapped left Warri on their way to Port Harcourt.

He said the police along the East-West road stopped them in Bayelsa state and demanded for bribe. He said the youths were compelled to transfer some money online to the police men to allow them to go. He said one of the officers demanded for their phones and on seeing the balance in the debit alert, he and his colleagues kidnapped the Corpers.

They were taken into the bush, walking for two hours after which they began to make calls to their families demanding for N50m which was negotiated to N10m.

He said the families began to raise the funds which the police men collected.

According to him, on alerting the Inspector General,(IG) Special Squad investigation was launched which led to the arrest of the crooks in police uniforms.

According to sources, the families of the kidnapped NYSC members were forced to pay the ransom, reportedly to secure the release of their loved ones.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation by many observers and social media users who saw the video online, with many civil society organizations expressing their disgust and frustration at the actions of the police officers involved.

“Wonders shall never end in Nigeria. It’s very, very unfortunate. How can police officers, who are supposed to protect and serve the public, be involved in such a heinous act?,” a social media user on X stated.

The incident has raised serious questions about the integrity and accountability of some members of the Nigeria Police Force.

It has also highlighted the need for urgent reforms to address the issue of corruption and extortion within the force.

As the investigation into the incident continues, many are calling for swift and decisive action to be taken against those found responsible.

The families of the abducted corps members are still trying to come to terms with the traumatic experience, and are demanding justice for their loved ones.

However, the incident has also raised concerns about the safety and security of NYSC members, who are often deployed to remote and rural areas as part of their national service.

“The Government must take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of NYSC members,” said a concerned citizen.

Irohinoodua was unable to reach the police in Bayelsa or Rivers as at the time of filing this report.

However, a senior police officer in Rivers who does not wish to be names told Irohinoodua that he was not aware of the story promising to find out what actually happened.

He said “I will find out. I’m not aware. There ate a few bad eggs in the Police Command, but majority of our members have discipline.”

Observers demand justice and accountability for those responsible for this heinous act.