Corps Member Rofiat Lawal Abducted on Benin-Ore Expressway: Demands for Ransom Confirmed

Rofiat Lawal, an NYSC member serving in Ibadan, has been kidnapped along the Benin-Ore Expressway while returning from Benin. Her acquaintance reported that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of ₦20 million. The NYSC has confirmed the incident and alerted security forces. Lawal’s family is struggling financially, making this situation particularly dire.

A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Ibadan, Oyo State, named Rofiat Lawal, has been abducted by unidentified assailants along the Benin-Ore Expressway. Lawal was returning from Benin, Edo State, to report to her primary assignment when she was kidnapped on Tuesday, as reported in a Facebook post by an acquaintance named Agbakwara.

Agbakwara indicated that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of ₦20 million for Lawal’s release. In a heartfelt message, the friend expressed her concern: “My close friend, Lawal Rofiat Kofoworola, was kidnapped on her way from Benin to Ibadan to resume her PPA in Ogbomosho. This is someone who has struggled all her life… now, kidnappers are demanding ₦20 million, and we don’t know what to do.”

The NYSC Coordinator for Oyo State, Odoba Oche, confirmed the incident via a phone call. He informed that security operatives have been notified, although he was unaware of any ransom negotiations initiated by the kidnappers. Furthermore, he highlighted the necessity for corps members to inform the NYSC before traveling, reiterating the importance of avoiding night journeys.

In summary, the kidnapping of Rofiat Lawal, an NYSC member, underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region. The demand for a hefty ransom poses significant distress for her family, particularly given their financial situation. The NYSC urges corps members to adhere to travel protocols to help mitigate such risks. Efforts are underway by the NYSC and security agencies to address this situation, but community support is crucial during this distressing time.

Original Source: punchng.com