Gunmen ‘abduct youth corps member’ in Niger state

Gunmen have reportedly abducted Chiamaka Obi, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, along Niger-Onitsha expressway in Niger state.

Obi, who is from Edenta in Okwu Etiti, Orsu LGA of Imo state, was said to have been kidnapped on Monday while returning from Kebbi state at the end of her service year.

The corps member was said to have been abducted alongside a family of four, the bus driver and three other passengers.

Reacting to the incident on Tuesday, Uche Agabige, a member of the Imo state house of assembly, said the abductors are demanding for a ”outrageous” ransom for her release.

Agabige expressed concern over Obi’s safety, while urging the Imo state government to launch an investigation into her abduction in order to apprehend the perpetrators.

The lawmaker also called on President Bola Tinubu to address the rising cases of kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria.

“Miss Chiamaka Linda Obi is from Edenta in Okwu Etiti autonomous community in Orsu local government council area where I represent at the State Assembly. She was returning home on Monday after completing her NYSC when she was kidnapped,” Agabige said.

“The kidnappers have demanded an outrageous ransom for her release. So, I call on government to intervene and ensure the victim is freed without being harmed.”

Henry Okoye, the state’s police spokesperson, was not available for comments on the incident as his phone numbers were unreachable as at the time of writing this report.