Lagos Assembly Demands Urgent Rescue of Abducted NYSC Member as Kidnappers Demand N30 Million Ransom
The Lagos State House of Assembly has issued a strong appeal to relevant authorities and security agencies, urging them to take immediate and decisive action to secure the safe release of a prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Binuyo Lateefah. This urgent call follows the distressing abduction of the young graduate, with kidnappers demanding a hefty ransom of N30 million for her freedom.
Urgent Public Importance Raised in Plenary
The matter was brought to the forefront as a matter of urgent public importance by the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Mrs. Omolara Olumegbon, during Thursday's plenary session. According to Olumegbon, the victim, a Mass Communication graduate from Kwara State Polytechnic, was abducted on January 22, 2026, around the Kogi axis while traveling to Taraba State for her NYSC assignment.
Olumegbon detailed the harrowing situation, revealing that the abductors are demanding a ransom of N30 million. She urged the House to take several critical steps, including writing to the Federal Government to strengthen security measures for prospective corps members traveling to their various states of deployment. Additionally, she called on the House to formally engage the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to intervene by liaising with the Kogi State Government to ensure the safe rescue of the victim.
Lawmakers' Contributions and Recommendations
In his contribution, lawmaker Noheem Adams commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to improving the security of lives and property across the country. He noted that the current security situation has shown significant improvement compared to previous administrations, but emphasized that more needs to be done in specific cases like this.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Ogundipe Stephen, also praised the Nigerian military for its efforts in maintaining national security. However, he stressed the need for intensified action in this particular case. Ogundipe appealed to the Lagos State Governor to engage his Kogi State counterpart to facilitate swift intervention and ensure the victim's safe return.
Furthermore, lawmaker Tobun Abiodun suggested that the House, through the National Assembly, should write to the Director-General of the NYSC to review deployment procedures. He specifically highlighted the need to reconsider the posting of prospective corps members to distant and high-risk areas, aiming to minimize their exposure to avoidable dangers such as kidnapping.
Speaker's Ruling and Broader Concerns
Describing the incident as deeply disheartening, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, in his ruling, expressed profound concern. He noted that at a time when some individuals are unwilling to pursue education, it is particularly painful that young Nigerians who have completed their studies and are ready to serve the nation are being exposed to threats like kidnapping.
Obasa emphasized the necessity of engaging the NYSC Director-General on the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of prospective corps members from the point of travel to their places of deployment and back to their families. He further stated that while he is confident that the Governor of Lagos State has already taken steps on the matter, efforts should be intensified. This includes liaising with the Kogi State Government, as suggested by members, and formally writing to the Inspector-General of Police to intervene in the case and prevent future occurrences.
Police Confirmation and Ongoing Efforts
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, Saliu Afusat, confirmed the abduction of Binuyo Lateefah. She noted that efforts are being made to secure her release, stating, "Yes, I am aware. I can't disclose details. Efforts are being made to secure her release." This confirmation underscores the ongoing security operations aimed at rescuing the abducted corps member and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The Lagos State House of Assembly's proactive stance highlights the growing concerns over the safety of young Nigerians, particularly those in national service programs. The incident has sparked calls for systemic reforms in NYSC deployment strategies and enhanced security protocols to protect citizens from such criminal activities.
