Kidnappers Extort Over N46 Million from NYSC Members in Two Years

[justseyi]

Kidnappers have extorted at least N46.1 million in ransom payments from abducted members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) between 2023 and 2025, highlighting a growing security threat for corps members across Nigeria.

The latest case involves Rofiat Lawal, a corps member who was abducted while traveling to Ibadan, Oyo State, to resume at her Place of Primary Assignment (PPA). Her family eventually secured her release by paying N1.1 million, down from an initial ransom demand of N20 million.

Lawal’s ordeal is just one among several corps members who have been kidnapped and forced to pay huge sums for their freedom. At least seven other corps members have faced similar experiences.

Major Cases of Corps Members Kidnapped for Ransom

1. Aisha Shittu – N30 Million
In November 2023, Aisha Shittu was kidnapped in Kaduna State and held for a month before her family secured her release with a N30 million ransom and 10 new motorcycles. The kidnappers initially demanded N500 million before negotiations brought the amount down.

2. Four Corps Members – N4 Million & Food Items
On August 16, 2023, Patience Andrews, Oluwadara Feranmi, Oribamise Taiwo, and Ajayi Lekan were kidnapped in Ondo State while returning home after the NYSC orientation camp.

After initially demanding N30 million per victim, the kidnappers later settled for N1 million each. However, they also requested:

Three packs of Hollandia yogurt
Two loaves of bread
A carton of Peak milk
A pack of malt drinks
Bottles of Fearless energy drink
A pack of cigarettes
10 packs of cooked rice with chicken

3. Omoniyi Feranmi – N10 Million
Omoniyi Feranmi, a prospective corps member, was kidnapped on November 2, 2023, while traveling to Abuja for the NYSC orientation camp. His family secured his release with a N10 million ransom, after kidnappers initially demanded N20 million.

4. Esther Akande – N1 Million
On August 16, Esther Akande was kidnapped on her way to the NYSC camp in Keffi, Nasarawa State. Her abductors initially demanded N300 million, later reducing it to N100 million before finally accepting N1 million. Most of the funds came from her fellow corps members, undergraduates, and lecturers from Adeyemi College of Education, her alma mater.

Rising Threat to Corps Members
A report by FIJ revealed that at least 83 corps members have been kidnapped in the past 10 years, with 40 of these cases occurring in Rivers State alone.

Between 2018 and 2023, 63 corps members were abducted, further underscoring the security challenges NYSC members face.

While the NYSC has claimed that some of these victims were rescued through security interventions, many families and survivors insist that ransom payments remain the primary method of securing their release.

With kidnappers continuously targeting young graduates deployed for national service, concerns grow over the safety of corps members across the country.

[Precious]

they are really cashing out on our heads o! God

[Author]

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