UNILORIN Graduate Rhoda Odeyale, Others Kidnapped En Route NYSC Camp in Port Harcourt

A graduate of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), identified as Rhoda Odeyale, was kidnapped while travelling to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She was reportedly abducted alongside other passengers on an Eagle Line bus yesterday.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N2.5 million for Rhoda’s release. Her family has so far managed to raise N1 million, leaving a balance of N1.5 million. Social media pleas have been circulating, urging Nigerians to come together and help raise the required amount.

A source told West Africa Weekly, “Kidnappers made contact with her parents, requesting N2.5 million. We’ve only raised N800,000 so far. They were on their way to NYSC camp in Port Harcourt and was kidnapped in Port Harcourt. The police is doing whatever they can too.”

When asked about the number of people abducted, the source added, “I don’t know the exact number yet, but we recorded three so far.”

The abduction comes amidst increasing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly targeting travellers. The deployment letters for the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II were released just two days ago. A statement from NYSC’s document instructs that prospective corps members travelling to their orientation camps, such as those heading to Port-Harcourt, should alert family members, friends, and colleagues in case they encounter situations where ransom could be demanded. This is regarded as both ridiculous and insensitive to the plight of Nigerians whose lives are constantly at risk due to widespread violence.

Kidnapping incidents involving NYSC members are becoming alarmingly frequent. In August 2024, eight corps members were abducted in Zamfara State while travelling to Sokoto for orientation. While six were released after nine months, the last was freed after spending a full year in captivity.

The rise in kidnap-for-ransom cases has sparked nationwide concern. Civil society groups, like the Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community, have called for an overhaul of the NYSC scheme to ensure the safety of corps members by limiting postings to their geo-political zones.

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