The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Federal Government and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to take immediate action to secure the release of a corps member, Miss Linda Obi Chiamaka, who was abducted by terrorists in Zungeru, Niger State, almost a month ago.
HURIWA also called on the First Lady, Mrs. Remi Tinubu, to intervene and ensure Linda’s swift release.
Linda, a graduate of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, was serving in Dalijan village, Gwandu Local Council of Kebbi State.
She was kidnapped in Zungeru on November 2, 2024, while traveling home from her Passing Out Parade (POP) along the Niger-Onitsha Expressway in an attack that saw a male passenger killed while Linda, along with a family of four, was taken captive by the assailants.
In a statement, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed concern over the continued deployment of corps members to areas plagued by terrorism and insecurity, such as Kebbi State.
Onwubiko urged the NYSC to take decisive action to ensure Linda’s release and protect future participants.
The group called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to coordinate a rescue operation to secure Linda’s freedom.
HARIWA also appealed to the abductors to release Linda, highlighting her dedication to national service and her effort to bridge cultural divides by serving in Northern Nigeria as a South-Easterner.
“This young lady is a courageous Nigerian who accepted her posting to the North-West despite the prevailing insecurity in the region,” the statement read.
“We urge the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Governor of Kebbi State to take swift measures to ensure her release.”
HURIWA further called on the Minister of Youth Development and the NYSC Director-General to expedite Linda’s rescue and implement policies to exclude severely insecure areas, such as Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, and parts of Sokoto State, from NYSC postings.
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