The Lagos State House of Assembly has condemned the abduction of a prospective corps member in Kogi, calling for urgent security collaboration to secure her release

The Lagos State House of Assembly has condemned the abduction of a Prospective Corps Member, Binuyo Lateefah, and called for urgent inter-governmental collaboration and enhanced security measures to ensure her immediate rescue.

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The House’s resolution followed a matter of urgent public importance raised by Omolara Olumegbon, who informed lawmakers that the victim was abducted on January 22, 2026, along the Kogi axis while travelling to Taraba State for her National Youth Service Corps assignment.

Olumegbon disclosed that the abductors were demanding a ransom of N30 million, describing the incident as alarming and a serious threat to the safety of young Nigerians answering the call to national service.

She urged the House to write to the Federal Government to strengthen security arrangements for prospective corps members travelling to their various states of deployment.

The lawmaker also called on the Assembly to formally engage the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to intervene by liaising with the Kogi State Government to facilitate the victim’s safe rescue.

Contributing to the debate, Noheem Adams commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to improving security across the country, noting that there had been notable improvements compared to previous administrations, while stressing that more still needed to be done to protect citizens.

Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Ogundipe Stephen, praised the Nigerian military for its ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property but emphasised the need for intensified action, particularly in addressing kidnappings along major travel routes.

Ogundipe appealed directly to Governor Sanwo-Olu to engage his Kogi State counterpart to ensure swift intervention and coordination among relevant security agencies.

In his submission, Tobun Abiodun advised that the House, through the National Assembly, should write to the Director-General of the NYSC to review current deployment procedures.

He suggested that the posting of prospective corps members to distant or high-risk areas should be reconsidered to reduce exposure to avoidable dangers.

Ruling on the matter, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa described the incident as deeply disheartening, noting that it was painful that young Nigerians who had completed their education and were ready to serve the nation were being subjected to threats such as kidnapping.

“At a time when some people are unwilling to pursue education, it is troubling that those who have finished their studies and are prepared to serve Nigeria are being exposed to such risks,” Obasa said.

He stressed the need to engage 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 their eventual return home.

Obasa added that while he was confident the Lagos State Governor had already taken steps regarding the incident, efforts should be intensified by liaising with the Kogi State Government and formally writing to the Inspector-General of Police to intervene in the case and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Binuyo Lateefah. Speaking on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Saliu Afusat, said security agencies were working to secure her release.

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“Yes, I am aware. I can’t disclose details. Efforts are being made to secure her release,” Afusat said.