Kidnapped NYSC member regains freedom after ransom payment

March 01, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

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

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

The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N20 million, which her family claimed they could not afford.

Following negotiations, the kidnappers reduced the ransom to N5 million.

However, Lawal’s family was only able to raise N1.1 million, which was sent to an account provided by the kidnappers.

“In desperation, I reached out to everyone I could, her colleagues in school, the Muslim association, her friends from her hometown, my fans, and her family,” said Agbakwara, Lawal’s friend.

“Through the collective efforts and generosity of so many, we were able to raise N1.1 million.”

Agbakwara explained that the ransom was sent to an account belonging to one Isaac Ayo, who claimed that his sister had also been kidnapped.

Ayo assured them that he would deliver the ransom alongside his own.

Lawal was finally reunited with her family on Saturday morning.

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

“This morning, we got another call confirming that Rofiat was on her way home, and the others had also safely returned to their families,” he added.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed, shared the news, and tagged the necessary authorities. Your support made this possible.” He mentioned.