HURIWA Demands Immediate Rescue of 15 Abducted NYSC Members in Kogi

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the reported abduction of 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Kogi State, demanding their immediate and unconditional rescue.

HURIWA, in a statement signed by its coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Friday, August 28, 2026, described the incident as another disturbing indication of the failure to adequately protect corps members travelling across the country.

The corps members were reportedly abducted on Wednesday, August 26, while returning from the NYSC orientation camp in Bayelsa State and travelling towards Abuja.

According to the group, the victims were intercepted by armed men along the Ofu/Itobe–Onicha-Igo road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

HURIWA expressed anger that young Nigerians serving their country could still be kidnapped on major highways despite repeated security concerns along several routes.

The organisation said the latest incident was a painful reminder of previous cases involving corps members who have been kidnapped, attacked or killed while travelling to their places of primary assignment.

“How many more corps members must be kidnapped before the government wakes up?” HURIWA asked.

The rights group also called for an urgent review of the NYSC scheme, particularly the arrangements for transporting corps members through high-risk areas.

It questioned why corps members travelling from locations considered dangerous could not be transported by air to safer destinations before continuing their journeys to their places of primary assignment.

According to HURIWA, the government has a responsibility to ensure that young Nigerians are not exposed to avoidable security risks in the course of national service.

“The government cannot keep posting young Nigerians to dangerous areas and then leave them to face armed kidnappers on the highways. That is unacceptable,” the group said.

HURIWA demands rescue, investigation

HURIWA called on security agencies to sustain search-and-rescue operations until all the abducted corps members are found and reunited with their families.

It also demanded a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and the arrest and prosecution of all those responsible.

The organisation urged the Federal Government to urgently review the movement of corps members nationwide and introduce safer transportation arrangements, including the use of air transport where necessary.

It warned against allowing the incident to become another unresolved kidnapping case.

“Young Nigerians should not have to choose between serving their country and staying alive,” HURIWA said.

The group called on the Federal Government to act immediately, stressing that the safety of corps members must be treated as a national priority.