Rofiat Lawal, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who was kidnapped along the Benin-Ore Expressway on Tuesday, has been released after her family paid a ransom of N1.1 million. Lawal was abducted while traveling from Benin, Edo State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, where she was scheduled to resume her primary assignment.
Initially, the kidnappers demanded N20 million for her release. However, after intense negotiations, they reduced the ransom to N5 million-a sum still beyond the family’s financial capacity. A close friend of the victim, identified as Agbakwara, revealed that through the collective efforts of friends, colleagues, and community members, N1.1 million was raised and sent to the kidnappers on Friday.
“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,” Agbakwara shared in a Facebook post. “Through the generosity of many, we were able to gather N1.1 million, which we transferred at 4:20 pm to an account provided by the abductors,” he added. Agbakwara also noted that the recipient of the ransom claimed his own sister had been kidnapped, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
Lawal was reportedly released late Friday night and reunited with her family by Saturday morning after receiving medical attention. “For hours, we anxiously waited. Finally, around 10 pm, we received the long-awaited call: they had been released and taken to the hospital,” Agbakwara stated.
Expressing deep gratitude, Agbakwara thanked everyone who contributed financially, raised awareness, and contacted relevant authorities, emphasizing that their collective efforts led to Lawal’s safe return.
The incident highlights the growing insecurity on Nigerian highways and the urgent need for improved safety measures to protect travelers. As Rofiat Lawal recovers from her ordeal, Daily Mentor News Online will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on efforts to address kidnapping and other security challenges in the country.
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