A wave of distress has gripped the family and friends of Lawal Rofiat Kofoworola, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member abducted while traveling from Benin, Edo State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, for her Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) in Ogbomoso.
The kidnappers, who initially demanded ₦20 million, have now reduced the ransom to ₦5 million, setting a strict deadline of 12 p.m. today (Friday) for payment.
A family source, speaking with Sahara Reporters on Thursday night, disclosed that the abductors have issued grave threats should their demands not be met within the stipulated time.
In a chilling phone conversation obtained by Sahara Reporters, Kofoworola’s family was heard pleading with the kidnappers, explaining that they had only been able to gather ₦100,000 through crowdfunding on social media.
“Please, that is my sister that was kidnapped. We are trying to raise money because her mum is very old—almost 80 years. She doesn’t have a dad. We are begging people online to help us with any amount,” a family member pleaded.
But their desperation was met with cold indifference. One of the kidnappers, unmoved by their appeals, snapped back:
“I don’t want to hear that story. We have already considered her. The final amount is ₦5 million. If you don’t have it, don’t call this line again.”
When the family informed the abductors that they had only raised ₦100,000, the response was brutal:
“You dey craze.”
The victim’s family continued begging for an extension, but the kidnappers remained firm, insisting:
“Listen to me, the last offer to consider now is ₦5 million.”
NYSC, Authorities Silent as Fear Mounts
Despite the urgency of the situation, the NYSC has yet to release an official statement regarding Kofoworola’s abduction. A friend of the victim, identified as Agbakwara, took to Facebook to raise the alarm, expressing deep distress over her disappearance.
“We have been close friends since our 100 level. I haven’t been myself since this happened,” he wrote.
He further revealed that Kofoworola had been supporting herself through university by working at Dufil Company in Benin.
“Now, kidnappers are demanding ₦20 million, and we don’t know what to do. Her parents are struggling and can’t afford this. I have reported to the NYSC Secretariat in Ibadan and dropped her call-up number, but there has been no response. We are exhausted and desperate for help!” he added.
When Sahara Reporters contacted NYSC spokesperson Caroline Embu for a response, she simply stated:
“Please can you send the details to me so that I can confirm?”
With the ransom deadline fast approaching, anxiety is at an all-time high. Kofoworola’s family remains trapped in a harrowing ordeal, scrambling to raise the funds while fearing for her safety.
The case highlights the growing menace of insecurity on Nigeria’s highways, where innocent citizens are abducted for ransom with alarming frequency. As the clock ticks towards the noon deadline, Nigerians wait with bated breath, hoping for a miracle that will bring Kofoworola home safely.
Will the government or security agencies intervene before it’s too late? Or will yet another innocent citizen be lost to the ruthless grip of kidnappers?
PIONEER NEWS 