By: Bayero Ade
A University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) graduate, Rhoda Odeyale, has been abducted by armed men while en route to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to Afripost, the incident reportedly took place on Wednesday when the commercial vehicle she was traveling in was intercepted. Other passengers were also taken, though the exact number of victims remains unclear.
Sources close to the family revealed that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N2.5 million for her release. So far, the family has raised N1 million, leaving a balance of N1.5 million.
In an emotional plea, relatives and friends have turned to social media to seek financial assistance from the public.
“The kidnappers contacted her parents, requesting N2.5 million. We’ve only managed to gather N1 million,” said a family member. “She was heading to the NYSC camp in Port Harcourt when this tragic incident happened. The police are currently investigating the matter.”
Kidnappings targeting NYSC members have become an alarming trend in Nigeria. In August 2024, eight corps members traveling to Sokoto for their orientation program were abducted in Zamfara State. Six were released after nine months, while one victim spent a full year in captivity.
This growing insecurity has reignited debates about the relevance of the NYSC scheme. Critics argue that the program, established during the Yakubu Gowon administration to foster national unity and post-civil war rebuilding, has outlived its purpose amid Nigeria’s current security challenges.
Efforts to secure Rhoda’s release are ongoing, with her family and the police urging swift action to ensure her safe return.
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