Kidnappers Detain Two Ransom Carriers in Ekiti After Rejecting N10 Million Payment
In a distressing escalation of a kidnapping case in Ekiti State, two relatives attempting to deliver a ransom payment have been taken hostage by kidnappers, increasing the total number of family members in captivity to seven. The incident, which began with the abduction of five women, has plunged the affected family into deeper turmoil as negotiations break down.
Initial Abduction and Ransom Demand
Gunmen invaded Erinmope-Ekiti, located in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on January 24, 2026. During this attack, they abducted five women, including a nursing mother, a pregnant woman who is nine months along, and three other individuals. The kidnappers initially demanded a hefty ransom of N100 million for the release of the victims, placing immense financial pressure on the family.
Failed Ransom Delivery and Additional Hostages
Following negotiations, the family managed to appeal for a reduction in the ransom demand. Extended family members contributed funds to raise N10 million, hoping this amount would secure the release of the five abducted women. Two men, identified as Soliu Mohammad and Soliu Ibrahim, were tasked with delivering the ransom to the kidnappers.
According to Alhaji Muhammad Saliu Okanlawon, also known as Elebenla and the head of the family, the delivery took place on Friday, February 6, 2026. The victims were directed to a location in Orun-Ago, Omu-Aran, before being instructed to proceed to Idofin in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State. It was at this point that the kidnappers seized the two ransom carriers, rejecting the N10 million as insufficient despite the family's pleas.
Family's Appeal and Trauma
In a telephone interview, Okanlawon expressed the family's profound distress, stating, "We took N10m to the kidnappers last Friday, February 6, 2026, at a location in Orun-Ago, Omu-Aran, but we were later directed to Idofin in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State." He added, "Our family has been traumatised by this incident. We struggled to raise the N10m with the hope that the kidnappers would show mercy and release the five earlier abducted members of our family."
The situation worsened when the family received news that the two brothers delivering the ransom had also been held hostage. Okanlawon lamented, "We were thrown into deeper pain when we received a call that the two brothers who took the ransom had also been held hostage. They said the money was too small despite our pleas." He highlighted the particular vulnerability of the pregnant victim, noting, "One of the victims is nine months pregnant, and you can imagine the trauma she is going through. It is indeed a painful experience for the family."
Call for Government Intervention
Okanlawon has urgently called on security agencies and government authorities to intervene and secure the safe release of all seven captives. He emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent further harm to the victims, especially given the critical condition of the pregnant woman. As of the time of reporting, security officials had not issued an official statement on the incident, leaving the family in a state of uncertainty and fear.
This case underscores the growing security challenges in parts of Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom has become a prevalent crime. The rejection of a negotiated ransom and the taking of additional hostages highlight the ruthless tactics employed by criminal groups, exacerbating the suffering of affected families and communities.
