By Leshi Adebayo
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied that it gave security tips to corps members and staff.
In a handbook titled, “Security Awareness and Education Handbook For Corps Members and Staff”, the NYSC identified Abuja-Kaduna, Abuja-Lokoja-Okene, and Aba-Port Harcourt as roads in the danger category.
On the 56th page of the document, corps members travelling on the listed roads were advised to inform their family members of their movements and also make someone available for ransom payment in any case of abduction.
The handbook was distributed to corps members in Batch B: Stream 1 cohort of the scheme.
The advice had attracted criticisms from Nigerians on social media, as some argued that it gave an indication that the country was heading towards destruction and failure.
In a statement issued on Friday, the NYSC, however, described the information as misleading, saying it was an antic of mischief makers.
The statement reads, “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.”
“Management wishes to emphatically state that 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.”
