NANS Demands Probe Into Transport Firm Over Corps Members’ Abduction
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for a transparent investigation into the reported abduction of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members while travelling in convoy.
The students’ body also urged security agencies and relevant government authorities to investigate the operations of UDUA KING Transport Service, the company reportedly involved in conveying the abducted corps members.
NANS further called for the possible suspension of the transport company’s operations pending the outcome of the investigation.
In a statement, the NANS National President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, said the association had received disturbing reports concerning the incident and expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the abduction.
According to the association, two buses conveying corps members were travelling together when one of the drivers reportedly stopped, claiming that he wanted to give money to someone on the opposite side of the road.
The second bus was said to have stopped alongside the first, after which armed men allegedly emerged from the bush and abducted the corps members.
NANS said it was particularly concerned by reports that neither of the two drivers was abducted, while the attackers were allegedly already positioned around the location where the buses stopped.
The development, according to the association, raises questions that require urgent answers from security agencies and other relevant authorities.
“While we are cautious not to jump to conclusions, the circumstances surrounding the incident raise serious questions that require urgent and transparent investigation,” NANS said.
The association stressed that it was not in a position to determine the exact circumstances of the incident or establish responsibility against any individual or transport company.
It, however, maintained that the questions arising from the incident could not be ignored, particularly given the growing concerns over the safety of students, corps members and other young Nigerians travelling across the country.
NANS urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident, establish what transpired and determine whether anyone compromised the safety of the victims.
It also called for accountability for anyone found to have contributed to the abduction.
“There are many questions requiring answers, and we believe the families of the victims, the NYSC community and Nigerians deserve nothing less than a transparent investigation,” the association stated.
NANS said a credible investigation would not only help clarify the circumstances surrounding the abduction but also strengthen measures aimed at protecting corps members and other young Nigerians travelling on Nigerian roads.
