Rhoda Odeyale, a graduate of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), was abducted by armed men while travelling to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when the commercial bus she was travelling in was intercepted.
Reports indicate that other passengers were also taken, although the total number of victims remains uncertain.
According to family sources, the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N2.5 million for her release.
Thus far, her family has managed to gather N1 million, leaving a shortfall of N1.5 million.
Friends and relatives have turned to social media to seek public assistance in securing her freedom.
“The kidnappers contacted her parents, demanding N2.5 million. So far, we’ve raised N1 million.
“She was on her way to the NYSC camp in Port Harcourt when the incident occurred. The police are actively investigating,” said a family source.
Kidnappings targeting NYSC members have become a growing concern nationwide.
In a similar case in August 2024, eight corps members travelling to Sokoto for orientation were abducted in Zamfara State.
While six were released after nine months, one remained in captivity for a year.
The rising insecurity has sparked renewed calls for the federal government to consider discontinuing the NYSC program, with critics arguing that the scheme has outlived its purpose.
The NYSC, established during the military regime of Yakubu Gowon, was originally designed to promote national unity and post-war reconstruction.
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