The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Akwa Ibom has refuted allegations of rape on female corps members during an armed robbery attack at their Lodge in Uyo.
It however admitted that the corps members were robbed with some of their belongings including phones and laptops stolen by the robbers who attacked the lodge in the early hours of Wednesday.
A statement from the State NYSC Cordinator, Mrs Chinyere Ekwe made available to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday described as false allegations of rape reported by some media houses.
The statement said that a visit to the lodge by the Coordinator in company of the state Police Commissioner Mr Olatoye Durosinmi revealed that no corp member was raped.
“To put the unfortunate incident in proper perspective, the State Coordinator, NYSC Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Chinyere Ekwe in company of the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Olatoye Durosinmi, visited 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.
“While the actions and intentions of those criminal elements remained condemnable, we passionately appeal to social media operators, to exercise restraint and not trivialize such unfortunate incident as the consequences on the psychology of parents and guardians of Corps members in the state would be dangerously affected.” It explained.
It however noted that the 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 even as the Commissioner has equally detailed surveillance around the area with a promise to extend same to other Corps lodges.
“Accordingly, the State Coordinator in the State has reaffirmed that there was no incident of rape. She therefore urges 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.” The statement concluded.
