Kidnapped NYSC Member Regains Freedom After Family Pays N1.1m Ransom

A National Youth Service Corps member, Rofiat Lawal, who was abducted along the Benin-Ore Expressway on Tuesday, has been released after her family paid a ransom of N1.1m.

Lawal was kidnapped while traveling to Ibadan, Oyo State, to resume her primary assignment.

The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N20m, which Lawal’s family said they couldn’t afford. After negotiations, the kidnappers reduced the ransom to N5m. However, the family was only able to raise N1.1m, which was paid to the kidnappers on Friday.

Agbakwara, a friend of Lawal’s, shared updates on the incident on Facebook. He wrote, “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 expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the ransom payment, shared the news, and tagged the necessary authorities. “Your support made this possible,” he said.

Lawal was finally reunited with her family on Saturday morning, after being taken to the hospital for medical checks. Agbakwara confirmed that Lawal and the other kidnapped victims had safely returned to their families.