NYSC Member Musa Usman Abba Reportedly Killed Despite N10 Million Ransom Payment

Musa Usman Abba, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and graduate of Plant Science and Biotechnology from Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, has reportedly been killed by his kidnappers, even after his family paid a N10 million ransom. Abba was abducted on January 9, 2026, while travelling from Gusau to Sokoto State. His captors initially demanded N10 million for his release. During his captivity, the kidnappers released a video showing Abba in distress, pleading for his life. In the video, Abba could be heard crying: “Please help me, for God’s sake, please help my life. I may soon die in this situation.” He repeatedly appealed to his captors using religious references, saying, “For the sake of Allah, please help me. For the sake of Prophet Muhammad, please help me,” but his appeals were ignored. With assistance from relatives and well-wishers, the family managed to raise the N10 million ransom. However, after the payment, all communication from the kidnappers abruptly stopped, prompting fears that Abba had been killed. Sources close to the family said the abductors had also demanded additional items, including motorcycles, but the family refused further negotiations after losing contact. “Since receiving the N10 million ransom payment, Abba’s abductors have completely cut off all communication with the family,” a source said. The family has made arrangements to hold his Janaza prayer (Gha’ib) on Friday, March 6, in accordance with Islamic rites, despite the body not being recovered. They expressed deep appreciation to those who supported them during the ordeal, saying: “We are grateful to everyone who offered prayers, donations, and moral support during this difficult period. May the Almighty reward your generosity abundantly.” The family added that they continue to pray for Abba, saying: “If he is still alive, we pray for his safe return. If he has passed, may Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.” As of now, police authorities in the state have not commented on the incident.

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Abia Governor Alex Otti Raises NYSC Allowances Up to ₦50,000

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced a significant hike in the monthly allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state, raising payments from ₦4,000 to as much as ₦50,000. Under the new structure, all corps members will receive a base monthly allowance of ₦20,000. Those posted to state government offices will earn an additional ₦10,000, while medical and teaching corps members will get a further ₦30,000 per month. The increase was confirmed on Friday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha, who said the adjustment complements the Federal Government’s new NYSC allowance of ₦77,000. He explained that the move is part of Governor Otti’s broader plan to strengthen youth empowerment and public sector capacity in Abia. “This is the first major increment in 27 years, highlighting Governor Otti’s commitment to workforce development and supporting young professionals in the state,” Ukoha said. The statement also highlighted other initiatives by the Otti administration, including the renovation of the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende LGA, upgrading internal roads, improving power infrastructure, and modernizing camp facilities—even though the camp is federal property. “Every institution in Abia, whether federal or state-owned, deserves attention because it directly benefits Abians,” Ukoha noted. Governor Otti’s reforms also extend to the healthcare sector. The state recently implemented the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for health workers and local government employees, aligning their pay with federal standards to boost morale and productivity. The administration allocates roughly 35 per cent of the state budget to healthcare and education, which are considered critical to human capital development. The allowance hike is aimed at making service in Abia more rewarding and encouraging young professionals to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development. “This decision sends a clear message that Abia State is serious about empowering youth, rewarding excellence, and ensuring service is valued,” the statement said. With this new policy, Abia now ranks among the top states offering the highest monthly stipends to NYSC members. By comparison, Adamawa State recently raised its NYSC allowance from ₦20,000 to ₦30,000, as announced by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri during the swearing-in of the 2025 Batch B Stream I corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Damare, Girei LGA. “We are committed to improving the welfare of corps members and creating a supportive environment for your service,” Fintiri stated.

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Bayelsa Police Investigate Missing 24-Year-Old NYSC Corps Member

The Bayelsa State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has launched an investigation into the disappearance of 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Levi Anyanwu (NYSC registration BYS/25A/0244). According to Punch Metro, Anyanwu, whose primary assignment is at the Ijaw National Academy in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, went missing on October 8, 2025. The state’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit has been tasked with uncovering the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. In a statement released on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer Musa Mohammed said Anyanwu was initially believed to be with fellow Jehovah’s Witness worshippers, Mr. and Mrs. Wisdom George. The couple confirmed he had been with them but left afterward. Detectives further questioned Anyanwu’s roommate, Mr. Oke Emmanuel, who confirmed that the missing corps member had been with the George family until October 6. The police learned that Anyanwu had complained of illness and was treated at Kaiama Referral Hospital on October 4, being discharged on October 5, before disappearing to an unknown location the following day. The police are also investigating a separate allegation involving the extortion of N100,000 from Anyanwu’s parents by two inmates at Igbara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, who posed as kidnappers. The corps member’s phone, left in his apartment, was linked to a GSM call traced to an inmate at the prison. According to investigators, the inmate exploited the father by requesting money to an account belonging to Atinuke Oluwalose, an associate of the detainee. Authorities noted that certain personal and religious considerations may have influenced Anyanwu’s actions, but stressed that preliminary findings indicate no actual kidnapping occurred. The police confirmed that law enforcement efforts are ongoing to bring clarity to the matter and ensure a proper resolution of the case.

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