On Friday, the bandits reportedly kidnapped eight National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the highway in Zamfara State.

According to reports, the fresh graduates were on their way to Sokoto State to participate in the required National Service when the bus they were traveling in Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC), was intercepted.

Father of one of the victims, Glory Thomas, Emmanuel Etteh, confirmed the development to News Point Nigeria over the phone on Friday.

Etteh said that the bandits called with their number to inform him about the abduction of his daughter and asked him to pay N4 million to secure her release.

The police command in Zamfara State has yet to comment on the abduction.

However, a military source who preferred anonymity had earlier confirmed the bandits’ ransom demands to News Point Nigeria, adding that a rescue team is currently combing the forest in order to rescue the victims unhurt.

To ensure the safe release of the prospective corps members (PCMs) who were abducted while traveling to Sokoto state for their orientation program, NYSC Director General Brigadier-General Yushau Ahmed suspended his routine camp tour.

Director of Press and Public Relations for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Eddy Megwa, said, that the DG was on his routine camp tour when he learnt of the incident.

Megwa gave the assurance that the NYSC and all parties involved were working hard to see that the corps members were released as soon as possible.