By Sessou Ebunoluwa
In response to the reported kidnapping of Corps member Miss Binuyo Lateefah, the Lagos State House of Assembly has stepped in and called for swift intergovernmental and security cooperation to guarantee her rescue.
The intervention came after Omolara Olumegbon brought up a Matter of Urgent Public Importance at the plenary, which was chaired by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Olumegbon informed the House that the victim was abducted on January 22, 2026, along the Kogi axis, while heading to Taraba State for her National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, assignment.
She revealed that a N30 million ransom had been requested by the kidnappers.
In order to improve security for prospective Corps members traveling to their various states of deployment, she encouraged the House to write to the Federal Government.
In order to guarantee the victim’s safe rescue, she also urged the Assembly to publicly ask the Lagos State Governor to step in and coordinate with the Kogi State Government.
Noheem Adams, who contributed, commended President Bola Tinubu for his dedication to enhancing the safety of people and property throughout the nation, pointing out that the current state of security has significantly improved in comparison to earlier administrations.
Speaking as well, Stephen Ogundipe emphasized the need for increased action, particularly in flashpoints, while praising the Nigerian military for its persistent efforts to uphold national security. In order to enable prompt assistance, he urged the governor of Lagos State to speak with his counterpart in Kogi State.
Abiodun Tobun described the incident as extremely depressing and proposed that the House, through the National Assembly, write to the Director-General of the NYSC to review deployment procedures, particularly the posting of Prospective Corps Members to remote and high-risk areas to minimize exposure to avoidable dangers.
In his verdict, Speaker Obasa stated that it is painful that young Nigerians who have finished their school and are motivated to serve the country are being exposed to risks like kidnapping at a time when many people are unwilling to pursue education.
