Anxiety continues to grip the royal family and community of Bayagan-Ile in Kwara State as their traditional ruler, Oba Kamilu Salami, remains in the custody of kidnappers. This comes despite false reports circulating that he had been rescued.
Family Issues Clarification, Monarch Still Missing
The family spokesperson, Rafiu Lawal, has formally addressed the situation, urging the public to disregard misinformation. Lawal confirmed he spoke directly with Oba Salami on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and the monarch affirmed he was still with his abductors.
"The narrative suggesting that he has regained his freedom is fake and should be disregarded in its entirety," Lawal stated. He appealed to media outlets, bloggers, and the community to stop sharing unverified reports and to confirm any information directly from the royal family to avoid causing unnecessary tension.
Details of the Abduction and Ransom Demand
Oba Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan, was kidnapped from his farm in Ifelodun Local Council of Kwara State on Saturday morning. His captors have since made contact with the community, demanding a ransom of N150 million for his safe release.
The incident has cast a pall over the Bayagan-Ile Community, with relief seeming far from reach for the worried family and subjects.
Eruku Church Worshippers Reunite with Families
In a contrasting development that brought joy to another part of Kwara State, the 38 church worshippers abducted in Eruku, Ekiti Local Council, have finally reunited with their families. They were freed after over a week of medical care and attention in Ilorin.
The rescue operation was coordinated by a combined effort of the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). All 38 victims were officially handed over to the Executive Chairman of Ekiti Local Council, Gabriel Awelewa, in Ilorin on Tuesday.
Their emotional return to Eruku around 6:30 pm was met with cheers, tears of joy, and songs of gratitude from relatives and community members. The worshippers had been kidnapped during a thanksgiving service for members who had just been released by bandits. That earlier attack, which occurred over the last two weeks, resulted in three fatalities and six injuries, including a local vigilante member.
Authorities Hailed for Rescue Effort
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dada Sunday, Chairman Awelewa expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the NSA, and security agencies for their swift response. He commended the medical attention given to the victims and assured residents of continued efforts to strengthen security across the local council.
The Owa of Eruku, Oba Busari Olanrewaju, also thanked all authorities involved, describing the safe return as a huge relief for the community. This successful rescue has renewed hope among residents, underscoring the positive impact of coordinated security efforts in tackling criminal activities in the region.
The situation highlights the starkly different realities within Kwara State: one community celebrates a hard-won reunion, while another waits in anguish, pleading for the safe return of their king.
