Bandits armed with AK-47 rifles have abducted a traditional ruler in Kwara State, sparking fear and confusion in the local community. The incident occurred on Saturday morning, November 29, 2025, when the monarch was taken from his farm.
The Abduction Details
Ojibara of Bayagan, Oba Kamilu Salami was kidnapped around 9:30 am while working on his farm in Bayagan community, located in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. According to eyewitness accounts, the attack happened suddenly and caught everyone by surprise.
A farmer from a neighboring village who witnessed the event reported seeing the entire incident while hiding in a guinea corn farm. The eyewitness stated that the armed bandits forced the traditional ruler onto a motorcycle at gunpoint before speeding off to an unknown destination.
Ransom Demand and Communication
In the early hours of Sunday, the bandits made contact with the community, demanding a staggering N150 million ransom for the monarch's safe release. To prove they indeed had the traditional ruler in their custody, the kidnappers made Oba Salami speak directly with community members.
During the communication, the kidnapped monarch reportedly expressed his distress and urgently appealed to his community to negotiate with the bandits for his quick release. He revealed that the kidnappers had transported him on a motorcycle through thick forests for more than five hours before reaching their hideout.
Broader Security Implications
The abduction has left the Bayagan community in a state of apprehension and confusion. Adding to the concern, the monarch informed community members that while he was being taken away, he learned that an unspecified number of people from a neighboring community had also been abducted.
This incident highlights the growing security challenges facing traditional rulers and rural communities in Kwara State. The brazen nature of the attack, occurring in broad daylight on the monarch's own farm, has raised serious questions about the safety of community leaders and the effectiveness of security measures in the region.
