#SulejaCorpers: Emir apologizes over corpers’ arrest

Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Mallam Muhammad Awwal Ibrahim, has apologized to the management of the National Youth Service Corps over the wrongful arrest, harrassment and detention of three corps members serving in Suleja, Niger State which was earlier reported last week.
The Emir, who received top management of the NYSC led by the Director General, Brig. Gen. Johnson Olawumi, in his palace condemned the incident and promised to educate his subjects on how to treat strangers in his domain.
Three corps members alleged to have resembled a gang of armed robbers that robbed a market were reportedly arrested, harassed and detained by local vigilante group working in the area, before it was discovered to be a case of mistaken identity.
“It is not in our character to maltreat strangers and not even corps members, Suleja residents are peace loving people, the corps members are very dear to the emirate and we will also strive to protect them.
“Corps members should also establish good channel of communication with the NYSC leadership and among themselves so that they don’t suffer unnecessarily,” he said.
The Director General described the arrest as a case of mistaken identity. He said corpers are deployed round the country to contribute to the socio-economic development of their host community. He told corpers to be security conscious wherever they are posted.
He urged corps members to see challenges they encounter in their host communities as stepping stones. He also reminded them on respect for the culture and tradition of the communities.