Rescued NYSC Member Recounts Death Threats

Author: Gist Correspondent

A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, David Ayodele, has narrated the terrifying ordeal he and other passengers endured after they were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Kogi State.

Ayodele said the gunmen threatened to keep the victims in captivity for one month before killing them, warning that anyone who moved without permission would be shot.

The corps member explained that the incident occurred while he was travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing his NYSC orientation camp and securing relocation.

According to him, the kidnappers intercepted their vehicle and ordered everyone out after the driver's attempt to flee was unsuccessful.

"The driver tried to escape, but they kept asking who the driver was. They opened the door and marched us into the bush while firing several gunshots into the air," he recalled.

Ayodele said the victims were beaten, kicked and shouted at as they trekked deep into the forest.

He added that after reaching a secluded area, the kidnappers forced everyone to sit and issued chilling threats.

"They asked who wanted water and told us we would remain there for one month before they killed all of us," he said.

The abductors also warned the captives against making any movement without permission, leaving everyone too frightened to attempt an escape.

Ayodele said they were made to walk for a long distance through the forest until security operatives tracked them down.

"We kept moving for a long time, and thank God the Nigerian Army came to rescue us," he said.

He praised the Nigerian Army, the police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local hunters for their coordinated efforts that led to the rescue.

Ayodele was among 15 NYSC members and six other travellers rescued from a kidnappers' hideout in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

A video of the rescued corps member recounting his experience has since surfaced online.