A National Youth Services Corps, NYSC, Member, Rofiat Lawal, which was kidnapped along the Benin-Ore highway on Tuesday, has regained its freedom after his family paid a rescue of N1.1 million.
Lawal was kidnapped while traveling from Benin, state of Edo, to the state of Ibadan, Oyo, where he had to resume in his place of primary assignment.
Initially, the kidnappers demanded N20 million for their release, but after intense negotiations, they reduced the rescue to N5 million, an amount even beyond the family media.
A close friend of the victim, identified as Agbakwara, revealed that through the collective efforts of friends, colleagues and members of the community, they were collected and sent to the kidnappers on Friday.
“In the early hours of Friday, the kidnappers pressed us, warning that if we did not meet their demands, we should not wait for their return,” Agbakwara shared in a Facebook post.
“Through the generosity of many, we were able to gather N1.1 million, which we transferred at 4:20 pm to an account provided by the kidnappers,” he added, noting that the recipient said that his own sister had also been kidnapped.
According to the reports, Lawal was released on Friday night and met with his family on Saturday morning after receiving medical care.
“For hours, we look forward to. Finally, around 10 in the afternoon, we received the long -awaited call: they had been discharged and taken to the hospital, ”said Agbakwara.
In expressing their gratitude, he thanked those who contributed financially, created awareness and contacted the relevant authorities, stating that his support led Lawal's safe performance.