A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Rofiat Lawal, who was abducted along the Benin-Ore Expressway, has shared her harrowing experience in the hands of her kidnappers. Lawal was kidnapped on her way to her place of primary assignment in Oyo State.
The kidnappers, who were reportedly Fulani, waylaid the vehicle Lawal was traveling in and took six passengers, including Lawal, into captivity. The kidnappers collected valuable items, including money and mobile phones, from the victims.
Lawal revealed that one of the kidnappers took her NYSC uniform and wore it, while another threatened to force her into marriage and take her to Sokoto State if her family refused to pay a ransom. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N20 million but later reduced it to N5 million.
The kidnappers were well-prepared for the operation, according to Lawal, who noted that they had a cooler with garri, which they gave to the victims on a few occasions. Lawal described the kidnappers as experienced and ruthless.
Lawal spent four days in captivity, during which time she was forced to trek for hours in the bush. She was eventually released after her family paid a ransom of N1.1 million.
The NYSC member expressed gratitude to her family for raising the ransom and securing her release. She also thanked the NYSC authority for reaching out to her and offering support.
Lawal’s experience highlights the dangers faced by travellers on Nigerian roads, particularly the Benin-Ore Expressway, which has become notorious for kidnappings and armed robberies. The government has been urged to take decisive action to address the security challenges on the nation’s highways.
The NYSC authority has been advised to provide counselling and support to Lawal and other corps members who have been victims of kidnapping and other forms of violence. The authority has also been urged to review its security measures to ensure the safety of corps members.
