NYSC Denies “Ransom Clause” Allegations, Labels “Death Trap” Report As Fake News
The Management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially debunked a viral report titled “Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits,” labeling the publication as a collection of falsehoods designed to incite fear and undermine national unity.
In a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the Scheme addressed specific allegations regarding “ransom clauses” and the safety of its members, while emphasizing its long-standing commitment to corps welfare.
Denial of “Ransom Clause” and Misinformation
The NYSC categorically denied the existence of any “ransom clause” within the NYSC Act, Bye-laws, or official documentation. The management described the claim as “entirely fictitious” and urged the public to disregard it in its entirety.
The statement also addressed the specific case of Mr. Musa Usman Abba, whose situation had been linked to the Scheme in recent reports. While expressing deep empathy for Mr. Abba and his family, the NYSC clarified that he is not a serving corps member, having completed his national service in 2023.
Insurance and Medical Interventions
To counter claims of negligence, the NYSC highlighted its robust welfare framework, which includes:
- Life Insurance: A partnership with Capital Express Assurance Limited since 2004 provides coverage for all prospective and serving corps members, extending up to three weeks after their service year.
- Health Coverage: Enrollment of all members under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
- Financial Commitment: The Scheme disclosed that it has spent over ₦500 million on urgent medical interventions for corps members over the past five years.
Security Measures in High-Risk Areas
Acknowledging national security challenges, the management noted that it works closely with security agencies to provide military escorts for corps members posted to high-risk zones, particularly in the North West and North East.
Furthermore, the NYSC has proactively relocated orientation camps to safer locations in several states, including:
- Kebbi and Kaduna
- Kwara and Borno
- Gombe and Plateau
Call for Fact-Checking
The Scheme criticized the authors of the misleading report for failing to observe the principle of audi alteram partem (hear the other side) before publication.
”The spread of fake news not only misinforms the public but also undermines national institutions and erodes trust,” the statement read. The NYSC urged media practitioners and the public to verify information through credible channels to avoid the dangers of circulating unverified content.
