25th September, 2021
The National Youth Service Corps high command has stirred controversy over its advice to corp members to prepare to pay ransom if they were kidnapped in crime-prone states.
It, however, initially denied ever writing or saying so.
The NYSC emphatically stated that the clause quoted is not embedded in its Security Tips pamphlet, put together by “a highly respected retired security expert.”
“The attention of Management of the National Youth Sevice Corps has been drawn to a fake release making the rounds on the social media to the effect that Corps Members travelling on “high-risk roads” should alert their families, friends and colleagues in order to have somebody to pay off the ransom that could be demanded in the event of being kidnapped.
It said the clause quoted is not embedded in NYSC Security Tips pamphlet which was put together by a highly respected retired security expert.
“Management wishes to appeal to the general public to always clarify issues with the Scheme. Please, be wary of falling prey to the antics of mischief-makers out to ridicule the Scheme.
“Management shall continue to prioritise the security and welfare of Corps Members and staff at all times.”
However, P.M.NEWS has checked the pamphlet given to one of the corp members.
The controversial advice is published on pages 56 and 57 of the document, entitled Security Awareness and Education Handbook For Corps Members and Staff.
On page 56, NYSC actually advises corps members: “When travelling in high-risk roads such as Abuja -Kaduna, Abuja Lokoja Okene or Aba – Port Harcourt roads, then alert your family members, friends and colleagues, in order to have someone on hand TO PAY OFF THE RANSOM THAT COULD BE DEMANDED .”
However, the NYSC management has acknowledged it goofed denying its own document.
Spokesperson Adenike Adeyemi said two versions of the pamphlet are in circulation and said the agency is probing the matter.