Fear Grips Kwara NYSC Camp as Soldiers Order Lock-In

There was tension at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, after soldiers instructed corps members to remain indoors while investigating unusual movements of strangers near the facility.

According to Sahara Reporters, the camp has remained unfenced for years, allowing herdsmen and villagers to pass through freely, sparking safety concerns for corps members posted there.

A corps member speaking to the media on Monday revealed that while officials attempted to downplay the incident, many participants remained anxious.

“They told us there’s no cause for alarm, but the truth is we sensed imminent danger,” the corps member said.

“Security personnel instructed us, particularly the females, to go to our hostels and asked us not to come out. We heard they did this because there were strange movements near the camp and immediately asked us to remain indoors. They didn’t lock us inside, but we were instructed not to move around.”

Another source confirmed the same account, noting:

“There were unusual movements, so the corps members were asked to go inside.”

The incident quickly triggered panic on social media after an X user, LoveEby, raised alarm.

“Guys I’m so scared right now! my sis jst called and said there’s an attack in their NYSC Camp right now in Kwara state. They locked every1 in their hostels and the Soldiers are moving up and down. May God protect each and every1 of them is jst 2days left.”

However, another user, Ariyo, dismissed the claims as exaggerated:

“Y’all carrying false news up and down. But it’s just a false alarm from the girls. F-Soldiers yelled at Corpers to go into their hostels and one of them took it for a warning as if something had happened. The news spread so quick that even soldiers started to investigate.”

Another social media user with knowledge of the situation also clarified:

“Security personnel sensed strangers were around the camp not even in the camp, we were told to stay inside not locked inside as the poster said.”

Although calm returned to the camp by Monday morning, many corps members said the episode left them unsettled, especially due to the camp’s lack of fencing and its closeness to communities recently affected by terror attacks in Edu and Patigi local government areas.

Despite repeated assurances from NYSC officials, the sense of insecurity persists, with corps members worried that poor security infrastructure could expose them to future threats.