HURIWA to FG, NYSC: Secure release of kidnapped Corper Obi Chiamaka without delay

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the federal government, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the Minister of Youth Development to take urgent action to secure the release of Miss Linda Obi Chiamaka, a corps member kidnapped by terrorists nearly a month ago in Zungeru, Niger State.

According to a statement issued by HURIWA and made available to PlatinumPost on Wednesday, Miss Obi, a graduate of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, was abducted on November 2, 2023, by armed bandits while traveling along the Niger-Onitsha Expressway after attending her Passing Out Parade (POP).

She was posted to Dalijan village in Gwandu Local Government Area of Kebbi State for her national service.

According to HURIWA, the incident occurred at Zungeru, where the corps member was taken along with a family of four. A male passenger was reportedly killed during the attack.

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In the statement signed by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group expressed outrage over the continued posting of corps members to areas known to be terrorism hotspots, such as Kebbi State.

The group emphasized the need for the NYSC management to prioritize the safety of its members and ensure Miss Obi’s immediate rescue.

HURIWA urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to coordinate a rescue operation for Miss Obi.

The group also appealed to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene to expedite her release.

“This young lady is absolutely a good Nigerian who picked up courage to accept her posting to the North West even when the reality showed that when she opted to resume in Kebbi State, the North West of Nigeria has become the hotbed of insecurity in Nigeria,” the statement read.

The rights group also called on the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Governor of Kebbi State to take immediate steps to secure the corps member’s freedom.

Additionally, HURIWA recommended that the NYSC revise its posting policy to exclude states plagued by insecurity, including Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, and parts of Sokoto, to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The association further appealed to the abductors to release Miss Obi, describing her as a dedicated Nigerian who embraced the spirit of national service despite the risks associated with her posting.

The group concluded by urging the NYSC to urgently address the growing threats to the safety of its members serving in volatile regions across the country.