A kidnapped NYSC member, Rofiat Lawal, has been released after her family and friends raised ₦1.1 million.
Lawal was abducted on Tuesday while traveling from Benin, Edo State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, for her primary assignment.
The kidnappers initially demanded ₦20 million as ransom, but the amount was later reduced to ₦5 million after negotiations.
Her friend, Agbakwara, confirmed her release on Saturday, sharing a video of Lawal on Facebook to update well-wishers.
He revealed that the kidnappers had pressured them on Friday, warning that failure to pay would mean she might never return.
Desperate for help, he reached out to her school colleagues, Muslim association, hometown friends, and online supporters.
The collective effort raised ₦1.1 million, which was sent at 4:20 p.m. on Friday to an account provided by the kidnappers.
According to him, the recipient, Isaac Ayo, claimed his sister was also kidnapped and assured them the ransom would be delivered.
At around 10 p.m. on Friday, they received a call confirming that Lawal and other victims had been released.
By Saturday morning, Lawal was reunited with her family, bringing immense relief to her loved ones after days of uncertainty.
Agbakwara expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed, shared the news, or tried to get authorities involved.
Earlier, he had raised the alarm on Facebook, revealing their close friendship since their 100-level university days.
A report was made to the NYSC Secretariat in Ibadan, including Lawal’s call-up number, but no official response was received.
He had pleaded for help, emphasizing that Lawal’s struggling parents could not afford the kidnappers’ huge ransom demand.
Lawal had supported herself through university by working at Dufil Company in Benin, making the situation even more distressing.
Her release has brought joy to her family and friends, who had been tirelessly seeking help during the ordeal.