The kidnappers who abducted Lawal Rofiat Kofoworola, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, have demanded a ransom of N5 million, setting a final deadline of 12 p.m. today (Friday) for payment.
Kofoworola was kidnapped while travelling from Benin, Edo State, to Ibadan, Oyo State, to resume at her Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) in Ogbomoso.
A family source, speaking with SaharaReporters on Thursday night, said the kidnappers had given them until noon on Friday (today) to pay the N5 million ransom.
The source explained that the kidnappers have threatened dire consequences if the ransom is not paid by the stipulated time.
In a recorded phone conversation obtained by SaharaReporters, the family was heard pleading with the kidnappers, explaining that they had managed to raise only N100,000 through social media to help meet the ransom demand.
The family source said, “Please, that is my sister that was kidnapped; we are trying to raise money because her mum is very old. She is almost 80 years old and she does not have a dad. We are begging people on social media to help us with any amount.
“She’s the only one supporting herself. She doesn’t have anybody. She’s the one supporting herself even in school.
“So when we heard about it, we had to call people online that any amount, they should have, they should support us.”
But one of the kidnappers said, “I don’t want to hear that story. I have already told you that we have considered her. The final amount is N5 million. If you don’t have it, don’t call this line again.”
When one of the family members who spoke with the kidnappers said they had managed to raise about N100,000 as of Thursday, the kidnapper responded, “You dey crazy.”
The family member pleaded with him, saying, “Please, just give us some time, we are raising the money. At least, how much do you want us to bring because the N20 million is very much for us. Please, help us to reduce it. We just started raising the money yesterday.”
Instead, one of the kidnappers said, “Listen to me, the last offer to consider now is N5 million.
The family said, “Sir, can you please help us? First, we are running around. We’ll start over today too. Please.”
However, the NYSC has not released an official statement on the matter.
The corps member was abducted on Tuesday after she boarded an Ore-bound bus.
A friend of the victim, identified as Agbakwara, raised the alarm on Facebook, expressing deep distress over the situation.
“We have been close friends since our 100 level. I haven’t been myself since this happened,” he wrote.
According to him, a report was made to the NYSC Secretariat in Ibadan, along with Kofoworola’s call-up number, but there had been no official response.
“We are exhausted and desperate for help!” he added.
He also revealed that Kofoworola’s family were financially struggling and unable to meet the kidnappers’ demand.
He said, “My close friend Lawal Rofiat Kofoworola Lawal Rofiat Ewatomi was kidnapped on her way from Benin to Ibadan to resume at her PPA in Ogbomosho. She managed to call yesterday and told me she was inside an Ore-bound bus when she was taken.
“This is someone who has struggled all her life, 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 less privileged 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!
“Please, Nigerians, I need your support. If there is any way you can assist by spreading this message, reaching the authorities, or any help at all please do.”
“She has been my close friend since my 100 level, and I haven’t been myself since this happened,” he added.
When SaharaReporters contacted Caroline Embu, the NYSC spokesperson, she said, “Please can you just send the details to me so that I can confirm?”
