Traditional Ruler Abducted from Farm
Masked gunmen have kidnapped Oba Kamilu Salami, the traditional ruler of Bayagan community in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State. The monarch, known as the Ojibara of Bayagan, was forcibly taken from his farm by armed assailants wielding AK-47 rifles.
Family members and close associates confirmed the disturbing incident occurred around 9:30am last Friday. According to eyewitness accounts, the kidnappers had been monitoring the monarch's movements for several days before executing their plan.
Eyewitness Account of the Abduction
A farmer working in a nearby guinea corn field witnessed the entire abduction but was too frightened to intervene. The eyewitness reported seeing the armed men force the traditional ruler onto a motorcycle before speeding away to an unknown destination.
"I saw the kidnappers forcing the Ojibara of Bayagan onto a motorcycle and sped off to an unknown direction," the witness stated from his hiding place.
Another farmer who shares boundary with the Oba's property also observed the incident but refrained from helping due to fear of being overpowered and taken captive as well. It was this neighboring farmer who eventually alerted others in the area, prompting the formation of a search team.
Ransom Demand and Communication
The kidnappers have made contact with both the palace and community representatives, demanding a staggering N150 million ransom for the monarch's safe return. The bandits initiated communication in the early hours of Sunday, clearly outlining their financial demands.
During the communication, the abductors forced Oba Salami to speak with community members to verify he was indeed in their custody. The monarch reportedly pleaded with his people to negotiate with the kidnappers for his quick release.
According to family sources, the traditional ruler was taken on a motorcycle through thick forests for over five hours before reaching the location where the kidnappers are currently holding him. Negotiations have not formally begun, as the initial call served primarily to inform the community of the ransom amount and confirm the monarch's captivity.
In a concerning development, Oba Salami informed community members during the phone conversation that an unspecified number of people from neighboring communities were also abducted while he was being transported to his current location.
The community remains in shock as they grapple with this security breach that has seen their traditional leader taken captive. Security agencies have been alerted and are expected to launch investigations into the abduction.
