By Anayo Akwitti
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 safe rescue.
The group say the corps members were abducted on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, while returning from the NYSC orientation camp in Bayelsa State and travelling towards Abuja.
According to HURIWA, the victims were intercepted by armed men along the Ofu/Itobe–Onicha-Igo road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
In a statement signed by its coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, on Friday, the rights group expressed concern over the continued attacks and abductions of corps members travelling to their places of primary assignment.
HURIWA described the incident as another indication of the failure of the government to adequately protect young Nigerians participating in the national service scheme.
The organisation questioned how many more corps members would have to be abducted before the government took decisive action to secure highways and protect NYSC participants.
It also called for an urgent review of the NYSC transportation system, particularly for corps members travelling through high-risk areas.
HURIWA suggested that corps members travelling from dangerous locations should, where necessary, be transported by air to safer destinations before continuing their journeys to their places of primary assignment.
The group demanded the immediate rescue of all 15 abducted corps members, alive and unharmed, urging security agencies to sustain search and rescue operations until they are safely reunited with their families.
It further called for a full investigation into the incident and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
HURIWA said the Federal Government must urgently introduce safer transportation arrangements for corps members, warning that young Nigerians should not have to choose between serving their country and protecting their lives.
