A member of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Rofiat Lawal, who was kidnapped along the Benin-Ore Expressway on Tuesday, February 25, has regained her freedom after her family reportedly paid a ransom of N1.1 million.
LIB had reported that Lawal was abducted while traveling from Benin, Edo State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, to resume at her place of primary assignment (PPA). Her abductor had initially demanded N20 million, but after negotiations, they reduced the amount to N5 million.
Providing an update on the incident, a friend of Lawal, identified as Agbakwara, confirmed on Saturday that she had been released and claimed a N1.1 million ransom was paid for her release.
“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. In desperation, I reached out to everyone I could her colleagues in school, the Muslim association, her friends from her hometown, my fans, and her family.
Through the collective efforts and generosity of so many, we were able to raise N1.1 million, which was sent at 4:20 PM on Friday to an account provided by the kidnappers. The recipient, Isaac Ayo, claimed that his sister had also been kidnapped and assured us he would deliver the ransom alongside his own.
For hours, we anxiously waited. Finally, at around 10 PM, we received the long-awaited call: they had been released and taken to the hospital. This morning, we got another call confirming that Rofiat was on her way home, and the others had also safely returned to their families.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed, shared the news, and tagged the necessary authorities. Your support made this possible.
Alhamdulillah! God never fails. May none of you ever witness sorrow all the days of your life.''
