Rofiat Lawal, an Oyo State corps member, was freed by her kidnappers after a ransom payment. She was abducted on Tuesday along the Benin-Ore road while traveling back to her primary assignment in Ogbomosho.
The kidnappers initially demanded 20 million naira but later agreed to a reduced sum. The ransom was paid to an account provided by the kidnappers under the name Isaac Ayo, who claimed his own sister was also being held captive. He assured the family that he would deliver the ransom payment alongside his sister’s.
Agbarakwara, a close friend of Lawal, shared the news of her release via a Facebook post. She explained that the ransom payment of N1.1 million was raised through the collective efforts of family, friends, colleagues, the Muslim Association, and Lawal’s supporters. The payment was made at 4:20 PM on Friday, and the kidnappers assured the family that the ransom would be delivered.
“We anxiously waited. Finally, at around 10 PM, we received the long-awaited call: they had been released and taken to the hospital. The following morning, we received confirmation that Rofiat was on her way home, and the others had also safely returned to their families,” Agbarakwara wrote.
In a video shared on Agbarakwara’s page, Lawal recounted her ordeal in the hands of the kidnappers.
“At night, we would be asked to stay in a forest, and by morning, we would continue our journey. We trekked for the days we were held captive,” she recalled.
Lawal also described the moment of her abduction: “When they stopped us, our driver wanted to run, but they had already surrounded our bus. Our phones and money were taken from us.”
She revealed that the kidnappers pressured her to speak with her family to ensure the ransom was sent. “They slapped me multiple times, and I was lucky. I feel it’s the prayers organized for me that helped because others suffered more,” she said.
Lawal, along with other captives, was eventually freed and is now on her way home, thankful for the efforts of those who helped raise the ransom and shared her story.
While Lawal’s release brings a sense of relief to her loved ones, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges facing travelers on the Benin-Ore road. The story has sparked further discussions on the need for enhanced security measures to prevent future kidnappings in the area.
