Abducted NYSC Member Freed After N1.1m Ransom Payment

Rofiat Lawal, a National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member, who was abducted along the Benin-Ore Expressway on Tuesday, has regained her freedom after her family paid a ransom of N1.1 million.

Lawal was abducted while traveling from Benin, Edo State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, where she was to resume at her place of primary assignment.

Initially, the kidnappers demanded N20 million for her release, but following intense negotiations, they reduced the ransom to N5 million—an amount still beyond the family’s means.

A close friend of the victim, identified as Agbakwara, revealed that through collective efforts from friends, colleagues, and community members, N1.1 million was raised and sent to the kidnappers on Friday.

“In the early hours of Friday, the kidnappers pressured us, warning that if we failed to meet their demands, we should not expect her return,” Agbakwara shared in a Facebook post.

“Through the generosity of many, we were able to gather N1.1 million, which we transferred at 4:20 pm to an account provided by the abductors,” he added, noting that the recipient claimed his own sister had also been kidnapped.

Lawal was reportedly released late Friday night and reunited with her family by Saturday morning after receiving medical attention.

“For hours, we anxiously waited. Finally, around 10 pm, we received the long-awaited call: they had been released and taken to the hospital,” Agbakwara stated.

Expressing gratitude, he thanked those who contributed financially, raised awareness, and contacted relevant authorities, stating that their support led to Lawal’s safe return.