A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Rofiat Lawal, has been abducted by unidentified gunmen while traveling along the Benin-Ore Expressway.
Lawal, who was serving in Ibadan, Oyo State, was returning from Benin, Edo State, to report to her place of primary assignment in Ogbomosho when she was kidnapped on Tuesday.
A Facebook user, Agbakwara, who identified as Lawal’s close friend, raised the alarm on Wednesday, revealing that the abductors were demanding ₦20 million for her release.
“This is someone who has struggled all her life, supporting herself through university by working at the Dufil company in Benin. Now, kidnappers are demanding ₦20 million, and her parents cannot afford it,” Agbakwara wrote.
He added that despite reporting the incident to the NYSC secretariat in Ibadan, there had been no response yet, pleading with Nigerians to help spread the message and reach out to the authorities.
Confirming the incident, Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Odoba Oche, stated that security operatives had been notified and efforts were underway to secure Lawal’s release.
“Her parents reported the incident to us yesterday, and we have informed the NYSC National Headquarters, as well as our offices in Edo and Ondo states. Security agencies have also been alerted for necessary action,” Oche said.
He, however, noted that Lawal had traveled home without informing NYSC, contrary to official guidelines.
“NYSC has repeatedly warned corps members to notify the authorities before traveling and to avoid night journeys,” he added.
As of now, it remains unclear if any progress has been made in negotiations with the kidnappers.
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