A screengrab from a BBC interview video of the victim (masked)
A prospective member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) abducted in Imo State has recounted the horrifying experience she and other victims endured while being held captive in a forest by armed kidnappers.
The survivor revealed that the abductors subjected them to physical assault, threats and harsh living conditions, forcing them to survive on dry garri mixed with muddy water. Her account has highlighted the trauma experienced by victims of kidnapping in Nigeria.
How the Abduction Happened
According to reports, 20 prospective corps members and another passenger were abducted on October 1, 2026, when gunmen attacked two buses travelling along the Owerri-Onitsha Road near Umunoha in Imo State.
The victims were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their respective NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when the incident occurred.
Recounting her experience in an interview with the BBC, the female survivor explained that she had contacted her family during the journey to inform them about their travel arrangements. However, she later found herself in the hands of the kidnappers and could not explain exactly how they had been taken into the forest.
Captives Forced to Eat Garri With Dirty Water
Describing their living conditions, the survivor said their captors provided them with dry garri and extremely dirty water, leaving them with little choice but to consume whatever was available to stay alive.
She also disclosed that the kidnappers monitored their telephone conversations with family members. According to her account, victims were beaten with guns, pieces of wood and bare hands whenever their conversations displeased their captors.
The experience left her emotionally overwhelmed, making it difficult for her to understand the reality of what was happening.
Victims Regain Freedom
The abducted prospective corps members reportedly regained their freedom on October 7 following a security operation. After their release, the victims were taken to a Department of State Services (DSS) medical facility in Owerri for medical attention.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of travellers along major highways in southeastern Nigeria and the need for stronger security measures to protect passengers.

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