A rescued member of the National Youth Service Corps, David Ayodele, has recounted the frightening experience he and other victims went through after they were kidnapped and taken into a forest in Kogi State.
Ayodele was among 15 NYSC members and six other victims rescued from the kidnappers’ hideout in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
The corps members were reportedly travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing their NYSC orientation programme and relocating when their vehicle was intercepted by armed kidnappers.
According to Ayodele, the driver initially attempted to escape, but the kidnappers forced the occupants out of the vehicle and marched them into the bush while firing gunshots into the air.
He said the victims were subjected to harsh treatment as they were taken deeper into the forest.
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According to him, the kidnappers flogged and kicked them while issuing threats and warnings.
Ayodele said the abductors threatened to keep them in captivity for one month and later kill them. They also allegedly warned that anyone who moved without permission would be shot.
The victims were eventually rescued following a security operation in the area.
The incident has again raised concerns over the safety of travellers along major roads in Kogi State, where cases of kidnapping have continued to pose a serious security challenge.
Security operatives are expected to continue efforts to track down those responsible for the abduction and prevent further attacks on commuters.
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