Gunmen Abduct Oyo Corps Member on Benin-Ore Expressway
A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Oyo State, Rofiat Lawal, was abducted by unknown gunmen on the Benin-Ore Expressway.
According to a Facebook post from a close friend of the abductee, Agbakwara, Lawal was on her way from Benin City, Edo State, to Ogbomoso in Oyo State for her NYSC primary assignment when the incident occurred on Tuesday.
Agbakwara stated that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N20 million for Lawal’s release.
“My close friend, Lawal Rofiat Kofoworola, was kidnapped on her way from Benin to Ibadan to resume her PPA in Ogbomosho. She managed to call yesterday and told me she was inside an Ore-bound bus when she was taken,” Agbakwara posted.
The distraught friend expressed her concern over the ransom demand, explaining that Lawal had worked hard to support herself through university, including a job at Dufil Company in Benin. Agbakwara said Lawal’s parents are not financially able to meet the N20 million ransom demand.
“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. Her parents are less-privileged and can’t afford this,” Agbakwara added. “I have reported to the NYSC secretariat in Ibadan and dropped her call-up number, but there has been no response. Please, Nigerians, I need your support.”
The Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Odoba Oche, confirmed the incident on Thursday, stating that security agencies have been informed and are taking the necessary action.
“We were not aware of the incident before her parents reported it. We have contacted the National Headquarters, the Ondo and Edo states NYSC, and we have also alerted security agencies for necessary action,” Oche said. However, he clarified that he was unaware of any ransom demand.
Oche also mentioned that Lawal had traveled to Benin City without notifying the NYSC, which he noted was a violation of NYSC guidelines.
“NYSC has continued to emphasize to corps members the need to always notify authorities before they travel and to avoid night travels,” Oche said.
