Suspected robbers have reportedly attacked National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) lodge in Akwa Ibom State and carted away valuable items.
It was gathered that the robbers at about 1am on Wednesday, attacked and dispossessed Corps members of their valuables at Udo Ekong Ekwere Street, off Information Drive, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
The incident happened to about 21 Corps members according to witnesses.
While confirming the incident, the management of the NYSC in the state, however, said that contrary to reports in certain quarters, no one was raped.
In a statement on Thursday, the NYSC state Coordinator, Mrs. Chinyere Ekwe, said that she was in the company of the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Olatoye Durosinmi to visit the Corps members for an on the spot assessment.
“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 1am 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,” Mrs Ekwe explained.
She further asserted that while the actions and intentions of the criminal elements remain condemnable, social media operators, and online media establishments should exercise restraint and not trivialize such unfortunate incidents as the consequences on the psychology of parents and guardians of Corps members in the state would be dangerously affected.
However, Mrs. Ekwe 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 culprits will soon be apprehended.
Meanwhile, the commissioner has equally detailed surveillance around the area with a promise to extend the same to other Corps lodges.
She, therefore, urged the Corps members in the state to go about their lawful duties and make use of the security phone lines already provided, while in distressed situations.
