A serving corp member from Oyo State, Rofiat Lawal, was kidnapped by suspected abductors along the Benin-Ore Expressway on Tuesday. Rofiat, a Batch C Stream 2 corps member posted to Ogbomosho, was reportedly abducted while traveling from Benin to Ibadan to report at her primary place of assignment.
Rofiat, a graduate of Tai Solarin University, was last heard from while en route to her PPA. The news of the abduction was initially shared on social media by Facebook user Agbakwara, who disclosed that the abductors are demanding a ransom of 20 million Naira for her release. Agbakwara also revealed that Rofiat’s family is unable to meet the ransom demand and is appealing to the public for assistance.
The abduction comes amid growing concerns over the safety of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members traveling across the country. In a similar incident, eight corps members were abducted in Zamfara in 2023 while traveling to Sokoto for their orientation training. They were held captive for 100 days before being released. Another case occurred on January 9, 2025, when Abasifreke Joseph was abducted along the Enugu-Ezike Road while en route to her Place of Primary Assignment in Kogi State. She was held for five days without food or water and sought public support for medical care after facing health complications following her release.
The NYSC has yet to issue an official statement regarding Rofiat’s abduction.
These abductions highlight the increasing insecurity facing the NYSC and the urgent need for the government and security agencies to prioritize the safety of those serving the nation. It is crucial that immediate measures are taken to ensure the protection of corps members, especially during their travels to and from their places of assignment.
