Abducted corps member regains freedom after family pays N1.1m ransom

DDM News

An abducted corps member, Rofiat Lawal, has regained freedom after her family paid a ransom of N1.1 million.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that she was kidnapped along the Benin-Ore Expressway while traveling to her place of primary assignment in Oyo State.

The abducted corps member was heading to Ibadan from Benin when she was taken by unknown gunmen on Tuesday.

Her family confirmed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N20 million for her release.

Unable to afford the demand, the family pleaded for a reduction in the ransom amount.

After several negotiations, the kidnappers agreed to reduce the ransom to N5 million.

Even with the reduction, her family still found it difficult to raise the required amount.

Lawal’s close friend, Agbakwara, played a key role in seeking financial help for her release.

She reached out to colleagues, religious groups, friends, and social media followers for assistance.

“In the early hours of Friday, the kidnappers pressured us, warning that delay could lead to dire consequences,” Agbakwara said.

Desperation grew as the deadline given by the kidnappers approached.

Through collective efforts, friends and family were able to raise N1.1 million for her release.

The amount was sent at exactly 4:20 p.m. on Friday to an account provided by the kidnappers.

The account was linked to a man identified as Isaac Ayo.

Ayo claimed that his sister was also kidnapped by the same gang.

He assured them that he would deliver the ransom alongside the money for his sister’s release.

“For hours, we anxiously waited for confirmation of her release,” Agbakwara said.

At about 10 p.m. on Friday, they received a call confirming that the abducted corps member had been freed.

She was taken to a hospital immediately after her release for medical evaluation.

On Saturday morning, Lawal was reunited with her family after days in captivity.

Agbakwara expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to securing Lawal’s freedom.

“I want to thank everyone who shared the news and tagged the necessary authorities,” she wrote.

The release of the abducted corps member has sparked fresh concerns over security on Nigerian highways.

The Benin-Ore Expressway has become notorious for frequent cases of kidnapping and robbery.

Travelers are constantly at risk of falling into the hands of criminal gangs.

Security experts have warned that kidnapping is becoming more rampant across the country.

They urge the government to take urgent action to protect road users.

NYSC members are particularly vulnerable, as they travel long distances to their places of primary assignment.

A human rights activist condemned the government’s failure to ensure the safety of corps members.

“The case of this abducted corps member is one too many,” the activist said.

“Young graduates should not be at risk while serving their nation,” he added.

There have been calls for increased security patrols along major highways.

Many Nigerians believe the government should deploy more security personnel to tackle rising crime rates.

A social media user criticized NYSC for failing to provide safety measures for corps members.

“How can an abducted corps member be left to rely on family and friends for ransom payment?” he asked.

Another former corps member shared his own experience of insecurity during his service year.

“The NYSC should collaborate with security forces to protect corps members during their service period,” he suggested.

He emphasized the need for better security arrangements, especially for those posted to volatile areas.

Law enforcement agencies have yet to make an official statement regarding Lawal’s abduction and release.

Efforts to reach the police for comments have been unsuccessful so far.

However, an anonymous source in the Edo State Police Command confirmed knowledge of the case.

“We were aware of the incident but are still gathering more information,” the source stated.

The case of the abducted corps member has left many NYSC members fearful for their safety.

Some are now reconsidering their travel plans to and from their places of assignment.

A serving corps member in Oyo State expressed concern about her own security.

“The story of this abducted corps member has made me scared of traveling,” she admitted.

Another corps member urged colleagues to take extra precautions while traveling.

“If you must travel, avoid night journeys and inform your family of your movements,” she advised.

Some have suggested that corps members should be posted closer to their home states.

This, they argue, would reduce the risks associated with long-distance travel.

Others believe that corps members should be provided with secured transportation options.

Many believe that the federal government should take decisive steps to combat kidnapping nationwide.

Security experts recommend the installation of surveillance cameras along highways.

They also advise increased deployment of armed patrol teams in high-risk areas.

Some suggest that the government should create emergency response centers along major roads.

The abduction of Lawal has once again highlighted the dangers faced by Nigerian citizens.

Many fear that if urgent action is not taken, more lives will be endangered.

Families of victims often have to rely on personal efforts to secure their loved ones.

A relative of another kidnapping victim described the experience as “traumatizing and heartbreaking.”

“The government must do more to protect its citizens,” he said.

The case of the abducted corps member should serve as a wake-up call for authorities.

Public pressure continues to mount as Nigerians demand better security measures.

For now, Lawal’s family is relieved that she has returned home safely.

They hope no other family will have to go through a similar ordeal.

Despite her safe return, questions remain about what the government will do to prevent future abductions.

The fate of many kidnapped victims who remain in captivity remains unknown.

Nigerians continue to call for urgent intervention to stop the menace of kidnapping.

With each passing day, more cases of abduction are reported across the country.

The question remains: How many more lives must be lost before real action is taken?

The government’s response to this growing crisis will determine the nation’s future security landscape.

For now, Nigerians can only hope for a safer and more secure country.

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