The Lagos State House of Assembly calls for urgent inter-governmental and security collaboration following the reported abduction of a Prospective Corps Member (PCM), Miss Binuyo Lateefah, while travelling for her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) assignment.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the intervention follows a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised on the Assembly floor by Hon. Omolara Olumegbon. She informs lawmakers that the victim is abducted on January 22, 2026, along the Kogi axis while en route to Taraba State for her NYSC deployment, with abductors reportedly demanding a ₦30 million ransom.
Hon. Olumegbon urges the House to formally engage the Federal Government to strengthen security arrangements for Prospective Corps Members travelling to their states of deployment. She also calls on the Lagos State Government to liaise directly with the Kogi State Government to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of the abducted corps member.
Mediaplusng.com reports that contributing to the debate, Hon. Noheem Adams commends President Bola Tinubu for ongoing efforts to improve national security, noting that current measures show progress compared to previous administrations. He, however, stresses that incidents involving young Nigerians on national service demand swift and coordinated responses.
Hon. Ogundipe Stephen also acknowledges the efforts of the Nigerian military and other security agencies in safeguarding lives and property but emphasizes the need for intensified operations, particularly along major inter-state routes. He appeals to the Lagos State Governor to urgently engage his Kogi State counterpart to strengthen rescue efforts and prevent further delays.
Lawmakers express concern over the safety of Prospective Corps Members, especially those posted to distant or high-risk areas. Hon. Tobun Abiodun suggests that the House, through the National Assembly, should write to the Director-General of the NYSC to review deployment policies. He recommends limiting postings that require long-distance travel through insecure corridors, in order to reduce exposure to avoidable dangers.
Several members describe the incident as alarming and unacceptable, warning that continued insecurity could discourage young Nigerians from participating fully in the NYSC scheme. They stress that national service should not expose graduates to life-threatening risks, especially at a time of economic and social uncertainty.
In his ruling, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, describes the abduction as deeply troubling. He notes that while some young people are reluctant to pursue education, it is painful that those who complete their studies and are ready to serve the nation face threats such as kidnapping.
Speaker Obasa emphasizes the responsibility of the NYSC leadership to ensure the safety of Prospective Corps Members from the point of travel to their places of deployment and through their service year, until they return safely to their families. He calls for stronger coordination between the NYSC, security agencies, and state governments.
The Speaker adds that while he is confident the Lagos State Governor has already taken steps to address the matter, efforts must be intensified. He directs that the House formally write to the Inspector-General of Police to intervene urgently in the case and strengthen security for corps members nationwide.
The Lagos Assembly resolves to engage relevant federal and state institutions, including the NYSC Directorate, the Nigeria Police Force, and affected state governments, to ensure the safe rescue of Miss Binuyo Lateefah and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Lawmakers reiterate that protecting young Nigerians on national assignment is a shared responsibility that requires immediate action, improved intelligence, and sustained inter-governmental cooperation to restore confidence in the NYSC scheme and guarantee the safety of all corps members.
