A graduate of Lagos State University (LASU), Ogunlana Adetola Sodiq, has been abducted by armed men while traveling to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Osun state, according to reports gathered by our correspondent.
Incident Details
Sodiq was on his way to Ede, Osun state, to participate in the mandatory one-year NYSC program when he was intercepted by gunmen on Wednesday, April 22. Sources close to the victim, including a friend identified as James and family members, disclosed the incident to our reporter.
The kidnappers have reportedly inflicted severe injuries on the young graduate, shooting him in the leg. They are demanding a ransom of N20 million, which must be paid before Wednesday, April 29. The family is under intense pressure as they scramble to meet the deadline.
Family in Distress
“My friend was kidnapped while travelling to the NYSC camp in Osun State. The attackers have already shot him in the leg and are now demanding a ransom of N20 million, which they want paid before Wednesday,” the source said. “His family is in distress and seeking any help they can get.”
The situation has left relatives devastated, with growing concerns over the victim’s health following the gunshot wound. Highways linking major states, including those leading to NYSC camps, have increasingly become hotspots for criminal activities such as kidnapping for ransom.
Renewed Safety Concerns
This case has reignited concerns about the safety of prospective corps members who often travel long distances to unfamiliar states as part of the NYSC scheme. The attack highlights the persistent security challenges on Nigerian highways.
Previous Incident: Army Confirms Corps Member's Death
In a related development, the Headquarters Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army confirmed the death of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, who was killed after being caught in a crossfire during a security operation in Abuja. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, April 25, at Shagari Estate in Dei-Dei, on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, as troops responded to a distress call about suspected armed robbers.
In a statement issued on Sunday, April 26, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Olawuyi Odunola, said personnel of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Group were on a routine night patrol when they received intelligence about an ongoing robbery attack. Upon arrival, the troops were met with heavy gunfire from fleeing suspects, leading to a brief but intense exchange. During the engagement, Jamiu was caught in the crossfire and succumbed to his injuries.
