The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has moved its orientation camp in Kwara State from Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, to Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, due to worsening insecurity in the region.
State Coordinator, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, confirmed the development in Ilorin on Thursday, noting that the approval for relocation came from the state government following safety concerns.
“We are fully prepared to host the orientation course, and the welfare of participants will be safeguarded. Soldiers and other security personnel will be deployed to guarantee the safety of corps members during the three-week exercise,” Onifade told reporters.
Orientation Date and Security Concerns
According to him, corps members are expected to report between September 24 and October 14, with a delegation from the NYSC headquarters scheduled to inspect the temporary venue.
The relocation comes against the backdrop of rising insecurity in Kwara North, particularly Edu and Patigi LGAs, where bandit attacks have escalated. In recent months, dozens of residents have been killed, kidnapped, or displaced, forcing rural communities to abandon their homes.
In August, soldiers reportedly ordered corps members at the Yikpata camp to remain indoors after suspicious movements were noticed around the site, sparking fear among participants and their families.
Onifade expressed gratitude to the federal and state governments for their support and urged parents to remain calm, assuring that the NYSC is working to deliver a safe and successful orientation exercise.
“The safety of corps members remains our utmost priority, and every necessary measure has been put in place,” he added.
The decision is seen as a proactive move to avert potential threats and ensure corps members serve in a secure environment.
This development, according to a 9am News report, underscores the growing concern about insecurity across northern states and its impact on national programmes such as the NYSC scheme.
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