NYSC member, Rofiat Lawal abducted along Benin-Ore Expressway

A National Youth Service Corps member serving in Ibadan, Oyo State, Rofiat Lawal, has been kidnapped by unidentified abductors along the Benin-Ore Expressway.

According to a Facebook post by a user named Agbakwara, Lawal was returning from Benin, Edo State to Ibadan on Tuesday when the incident occurred, and the kidnappers are reportedly demanding N20 million for her release.

In the post, Agbakwara detailed, “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 also highlighted Lawal’s challenging background, noting that she supported herself through university by working at the Dufil Company in Benin, and expressed deep concern for her family, who are not financially equipped to meet the ransom demand.

The incident was confirmed by the Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Odoba Oche, during a telephone conversation. Oche stated that Lawal’s parents reported the abduction to NYSC officials, and security agencies have since been alerted for further action.

“We have contacted the National Headquarters, as well as the Ondo and Edo states NYSC, and have alerted security agencies. I am not aware if the kidnappers have formally demanded a ransom,” Oche explained. He also noted that Lawal had traveled to Benin without notifying NYSC authorities, in defiance of guidelines that instruct corps members to always inform the agency before traveling, especially at night.

Authorities are now investigating the case, with hopes of securing Lawal’s safe return.