Lagos Assembly Seeks Urgent Action Over Abduction of NYSC Member En Route to Taraba

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called for urgent inter-governmental and security collaboration following the abduction of a prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Lateefah, along the Kogi axis.

Lateefah, a Mass Communication graduate of Kwara State Polytechnic, was abducted on January 22 while travelling to Taraba State for her NYSC orientation camp. Her abductors reportedly demanded a ransom of ?30 million.

Raising the matter under urgent public importance, lawmaker Omolara Olumegbon urged immediate action to secure the victim’s release. She called on the House to formally write to the Federal Government to strengthen security arrangements for prospective corps members travelling to their states of deployment.

Olumegbon also appealed to the Assembly to engage the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to intervene by liaising with the Kogi State Government to ensure Lateefah’s safe rescue.

Contributing to the debate, Noheem Adams commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts to improve national security, noting that the current administration has made progress compared to previous governments.

Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, praised the Nigerian military for its sustained commitment to safeguarding the country but stressed the need for intensified operations in security flashpoints. He specifically urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to engage Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, to facilitate swift intervention.

Also contributing, Abiodun Tobun suggested that the House should work through the National Assembly to write to the Director-General of the NYSC, urging a review of deployment procedures. He proposed limiting the posting of prospective corps members to distant or high-risk areas to reduce exposure to avoidable dangers.

In his ruling, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa described the incident as deeply disturbing, lamenting that young Nigerians who have completed their education and are willing to serve the nation are being subjected to threats such as kidnapping.

He noted that at a time when many youths are reluctant to pursue education, it is disheartening that those eager to contribute to national development are being exposed to such risks.

The Assembly resolved to pursue all necessary engagements to ensure the immediate rescue of the abducted corps member and to prevent similar incidents in the future.