By Ghazali Ibrahim
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has relocated its orientation camp in Kwara State from Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, to the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, following worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara North.
State Coordinator, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Thursday, explaining that the relocation was approved by the state government after concerns were raised about the safety of corps members.
“We are fully prepared to host the orientation course, and the welfare of participants will be safeguarded. Soldiers and other security personnel will be deployed to guarantee the safety of corps members during the three-week exercise,” Onifade assured.
He added that corps members are expected to report between September 24 and October 14, while a delegation from NYSC headquarters will inspect the temporary venue ahead of the programme.
The decision comes amid worsening insecurity in Kwara North, particularly in Edu and Patigi LGAs, where repeated bandit attacks have left dozens killed, kidnapped, or displaced in recent months.
In August, tension heightened at Yikpata camp when corps members were ordered indoors by soldiers after suspicious movements were detected around the site, sparking panic among participants and their families.
Onifade expressed gratitude to both federal and state governments for their intervention and appealed to parents to remain calm.
He reiterated NYSC’s commitment to delivering a safe and successful orientation exercise despite the challenges.
