Gunmen have abducted 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were returning from the Permanent Orientation Camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The corps members were reportedly kidnapped on Wednesday along the Ofu/Itobe–Onicha-Igo axis in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, while travelling to Abuja.

The victims were said to be travelling in different vehicles, including a Peace Mass Transit bus and a yellow Toyota bus marked 564, when the gunmen intercepted them.

Following the incident, a police officer attached to the Kogi State Police Command, who obtained the next-of-kin details from the passengers’ manifest, reportedly contacted the families of the affected corps members.

The development has raised fresh concerns over the safety of corps members travelling between states, particularly along major highways.

Efforts are reportedly ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and secure the safe release of the victims.