Sen. Ekong Sampson Calls On FG To Rescue Abducted A’Ibom Corps Members • As Senate Addresses Escalating Insecurity, Summons Security Chiefs
By The Evangelist News edition, Friday September 6, 2023. Kindly like, share the link.
Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South, passionately appealed to the Federal Government to take immediate action in rescuing a group of young Akwa Ibom indigenes who were abducted in Zamfara State while on their way to Sokoto for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The Nigerian Senate convened today to confront the increasing insecurity plaguing the nation, resulting in the summoning of Security Chiefs. The session took an emotional turn as Senator Ekong Sampson of Akwa Ibom South recounted the harrowing ordeal of several Akwa Ibom indigenes who were abducted in Zamfara State while en route to Sokoto for the National Youth Service Corps.
On August 21, 2023, reports emerged that an AKTC bus carrying twelve prospective Corps Members, along with their driver, was kidnapped. While three individuals managed to escape, eight Corps Members and the bus driver remained in captivity.
The families of the victims have expressed deep concerns for the safety of their loved ones. Public-spirited individuals and groups have joined the chorus of voices calling for the safe release of these young Nigerians.
In the National Assembly, the three Senators from Akwa Ibom State, namely Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ekong Sampson, and Senator Aniekan Bassey, have been collaborating closely with security agencies to secure the release of the abducted Akwa Ibom Corps Members.
Senator Sampson has held two meetings with Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio to address this issue. Additionally, Sampson and Bassey have been leveraging their contacts to address this unfortunate incident.
During today’s Senate session, Senator Ekong Sampson spoke passionately about the urgent national security matter raised by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua (Katsina Central). Senator Yar’adua expressed concern over the recent kidnapping of five female students from the Federal University, Dutsinma, Katsina State on October 4, 2023. He emphasized the need for enhanced security measures across the country in response to the alarming rise in kidnapping incidents.
In his contribution, Senator Ekong Sampson lamented the plight of the young Akwa Ibom prospective Corps Members, whose abduction has left their families in a state of anguish. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Committees on FCT and Education, Sampson deplored how these abductions undermine the noble objectives of the NYSC Scheme and subject our youth to significant trauma while answering the national call.
Expressing his deep empathy, Senator Sampson underscored that the prevailing security situation in the country is one that affects everyone, emphasizing the worrisome prevalence of kidnappings. He called upon Nigerians to take collective responsibility for the nation’s security architecture and address the “national embarrassment” caused by insecurity.
Senator Sampson appealed to the nation to rally together and rescue not only the kidnapped young Nigerians en route to national service but also all others across the country held against their will.
Among other resolutions, the Senate called upon security agencies to secure the release of the kidnapped students, Corps Members, and other victims. Additionally, the Senate resolved to invite the Service Chiefs to discuss the security situation in various parts of the country.
Senator Ekong Sampson’s unwavering commitment to the safe return of the abducted Akwa Ibom Corps Members exemplifies his dedication to the well-being and security of Nigerian citizens.
