A kidnapped National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Rofiat Lawal, has regained her freedom after her family and friends raised ₦1.1million as ransom.
Lawal was abducted along the Benin-Ore Expressway on Tuesday while traveling from Benin, Edo State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, where she was to resume her primary assignment.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ₦20million ransom, which her family could not afford.
After negotiations, the amount was reduced to ₦5 million.
Providing an update on the incident, Lawal’s friend, identified as Agbakwara, confirmed on Saturday that she had been released. Sharing a video of Lawal on Facebook, Agbakwara 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.
“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.”
“Through the collective efforts and generosity of many, we were able to raise ₦1.1 million, which was sent at 4:20 p.m. on Friday to an account provided by the kidnappers.”
According to him, the recipient of the payment, Isaac Ayo, claimed that his own sister had also been kidnapped and assured them he would deliver the ransom.
Lawal was eventually reunited with her family on Saturday morning.
“For hours, we anxiously waited. Finally, at around 10 p.m., we received the long-awaited call: they had been released and taken to the hospital.”
“This morning, we got another call confirming that Rofiat was on her way home, and the others had also safely returned to their families.”
Agbakwara expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed, shared the news, and reached out to authorities.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Lawal was abducted while traveling in an Ore-bound bus. Her friend had raised the alarm on Facebook, saying:
“We have been close friends since our 100-level days. I haven’t been myself since this happened.”
He also revealed that a report was made to the NYSC Secretariat in Ibadan, along with Lawal’s call-up number, but no official response was received.
“We are exhausted and desperate for help!”* he added. According to him, Lawal’s parents are financially struggling and were unable to meet the kidnappers’ demands.
“She has struggled all her life, supporting herself through university by working at Dufil Company in Benin. Now, kidnappers are demanding ₦20 million, and we don’t know what to do. Her parents are less privileged and can’t afford this.”
“I have reported to the NYSC Secretariat in Ibadan, but there has been no response. Please, Nigerians, I need your support. If there is any way you can assist—by spreading this message, reaching the authorities, or offering any help—please do.”
Lawal’s safe return has brought relief to her family and friends, who had been desperately seeking help throughout the ordeal.