Bandits who abducted the Ojibara of Bayagan in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, have demanded a ransom of N150 million for his release.
The monarch was kidnapped on Saturday around 9:30 a.m. when armed men wielding AK-47 rifles stormed his farm. Sources told Vanguard that the abductors contacted the community in the early hours of Sunday to announce the ransom and confirm that the traditional ruler was in their custody.
According to reports, the monarch, while speaking with members of his community during the brief communication, pleaded with them to negotiate for his quick release. He recounted how the bandits transported him on a motorcycle for over five hours through dense forest before reaching the hideout from which they made the call.
At the time of filing this report, formal negotiations had not begun, as the initial call was solely to state the ransom amount and establish proof of life.
The monarch also informed the community that several residents of a neighbouring area were abducted by the same attackers during his capture.
Bayagan, a major community within Ifelodun LGA, has recently witnessed rising insecurity, with the latest incident heightening fears among residents. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the abduction.
