Akwa Ibom: Hoodlums attack NYSC lodge, steal valuables

Yet-to-be-identified gunmen suspected to be robbers have attacked a lodge where some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reside in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

It was gathered that the gunmen stormed the area at about 1 am on Wednesday, and carted away valuables of about 20 corp members at Udo Ekong Ekwere Street, off Information Drive, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday, the Management of the NYSC in the state, explained that contrary to reports in some quarters, nobody was raped.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Chinyere Ekwe said she visited the affected Corps members for an on-the-spot assessment in the company of the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Olatoye Durosinmi.

She said, “While there, it was confirmed that 21 Corps members occupy the said property. The interaction with the Corps members further revealed that an attack on them was actually carried out by thieves at about 1 am this morning.

“In the process, the invaders took their valuables including phones, Laptops, and some cash. They confirmed that NO bodily harm was meted on them, and NO CORPS MEMBER WAS RAPED.”

While describing the crime as condemnable, Ekwe encouraged online media establishments to carry out due diligence on events before trivializing such unfortunate incident as the consequences on the psychology of parents and guardians of Corps members in the state would be dangerously affected.

The coordinator further disclosed that the State Commissioner of Police has assured the Corps members and members of the public that an investigation on the matter has been launched and that the perpetrators will soon be apprehended.