Rofiat Lawal, a member of the NYSC in Ibadan, Nigeria, was kidnapped on the Benin-Ore Expressway. Her friend reported that the abductors are demanding ₦20 million for her release. The incident has been confirmed by the Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, who stated that security agencies are involved.
Rofiat Lawal, a member of the National Youth Service Corps stationed in Ibadan, Oyo State, has been kidnapped by unidentified assailants along the Benin-Ore Expressway. Reports indicate that Lawal was en route from Benin, Edo State back to her primary place of assignment when the abduction occurred. The news was shared by a friend on Facebook, revealing that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of ₦20 million for her release.
The Facebook post from her friend, Agbakwara, detailed Lawal’s situation, stating, “This is someone who has struggled all her life, supporting herself through university… Now, kidnappers are demanding ₦20 million, and we don’t know what to do.” The post also described Lawal’s desperate circumstances, emphasizing the financial struggles of her family.
The Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Odoba Oche, confirmed the incident in a subsequent telephone interview. He noted the alerting of security agencies while expressing that he was unaware of any ransom request being made by the kidnappers. Oche added that Lawal had traveled home without notifying the NYSC, which goes against established protocols.
The NYSC has reiterated the importance for corps members to obtain necessary permissions before traveling and to avoid nighttime journeys. Oche affirmed that Lawal’s family had formally reported her abduction to the NYSC office, prompting a collaborative response involving the National Headquarters and local NYSC units in Ondo and Edo States.
The kidnapping of Rofiat Lawal, a dedicated NYSC member, along the Benin-Ore Expressway highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region. Despite efforts by the NYSC to ensure the safety of its members through protocols, incidents such as this underscore the need for increased awareness and preventive measures. The abduction also raises concerns regarding the financial burdens placed on families during such crises, as demonstrated by the high ransom demand.
Original Source: punchng.com
