Kwara Monarch, Baale’s Wife Abducted as Fresh Wave of Kidnappings Hits Communities

Suspected bandits strike across Kwara South in separate attacks, abducting traditional ruler, community leader’s wife, and demanding ₦20 million ransom for 23-year-old woman

A fresh wave of suspected bandit attacks has unsettled communities across Kwara State, with a traditional ruler, the first wife of a Baale, and several other residents reportedly abducted in separate incidents over the weekend. The attacks, which occurred between Friday night and Saturday, were recorded in communities across Kwara South, heightening fears among residents already grappling with repeated cases of kidnapping and insecurity.

Suspected bandits invaded Igbesi community in Oke-Onigbin town, Isin Local Government Area, at about 11 pm on Saturday, abducting the traditional ruler, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, the Kabiyesi Onigbesi of Igbesi land. Sources said the attackers took the monarch and several other residents to an undisclosed location. The abduction was confirmed by the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, who said security agencies had commenced efforts to locate and rescue the traditional ruler. Adekimi explained that the circumstances surrounding the incident were still being established, adding that the late hour of the attack made it difficult to immediately determine the number of attackers involved. However, the police commissioner clarified that no other person was kidnapped aside from the monarch, contradicting reports from local sources that others were also taken. “The narrative of attacks within the past 24 hours is far from the truth; nothing of such,” Adekimi said.

In a separate incident, the first wife of the Baale of Dabu community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, popularly known as Iya Ayoka, was also reportedly abducted by suspected bandits on Friday night. The chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Alhaji Femi Yusuf, confirmed the incident, saying security operatives were already on the trail of the abductors and working to rescue the woman. He, however, described the incident as an isolated occurrence, stressing that the security situation in the council had improved considerably in recent times.

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The Kwara South Development Forum (KSDF) has called for the immediate rescue of Iya Ayoka, saying residents are no longer willing to raise money to pay ransom to secure the freedom of kidnapped victims. In a statement issued on Sunday, the forum’s Secretary, Olasehinde Oluwatoba, on behalf of its Convener, Obashola Ridwan, declared: “We are not ready to pay a dime. The government needs to bring her back to us.” The group described the victim as a woman who has been supportive to many people in her area during the current hardship, when many markets have been shut down and nearby villages deserted. It added that repeated kidnappings had placed a heavy financial burden on residents, many of whom had previously contributed money to pay ransom for victims. “Many are begging for food. We have used all our money to pay ransom, so we are tired,” the forum said.

In a related development, kidnappers are demanding ₦20 million ransom for the release of Babatunde Fasilat, a 23-year-old woman abducted from the Wande community in Ifelodun Local Government Area on July 15. According to the KSDF, armed men invaded her residence, shot her father while he attempted to resist the abductors, and took the woman away. A source familiar with the incident, who spoke anonymously, said four gunmen invaded the community and went into Fasilat’s room after shooting her father. The KSDF alleged that the abductors have access to her TikTok account and are using it to publish posts and make calls while communicating with her family about the ransom. “Her father lost consciousness while the bullet penetrated through his body and came out from the other side. He was hospitalised and is now battling with his health while also looking for ways to secure the release of his daughter,” the group said.

A search and rescue mission has been launched by a combined team of soldiers, police, local vigilantes, hunters and members of Sunday Igboho’s Iru-Ekun group to rescue the monarch. The operation comes amid heightened security concerns in Kwara State, following a series of kidnappings and other violent crimes recorded in some communities. The fresh attacks have occurred despite the recent establishment of a Nigerian Army battalion in Omu-Aran town, Irepodun Local Government Area, as part of efforts to strengthen security in the state. The deployment followed growing concerns over kidnapping, banditry, and other criminalities in the region.

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The Kwara State Police Command has assured residents of sustained intelligence-led operations against criminal elements across the state. Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi, while acknowledging the strategic policing direction of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said the command would continue to deploy its available lawful intelligence and operational resources to protect residents. “There will be no respite in the ongoing offensive against criminal elements,” the CP said. In a recent breakthrough, police operatives arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping gang, Sanda Aliyu, who was allegedly attempting to purchase an AK-47 rifle for N1.6 million in Kaiama Local Government Area. Aliyu reportedly admitted during interrogation that he wanted to acquire the firearm to “rise to the position of a ‘Boss’ within his current kidnapping gang” and ultimately establish his own criminal gang.

The KSDF called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent steps to rescue all abducted victims in Kwara South and put an end to insecurity in the region. The forum urged security agencies to intensify operations in forests and other suspected hideouts of the armed groups, while calling for stronger intervention from both the state and Federal Governments. The group also accused the state government of attempting to downplay the security situation in Kwara South. “And the government doesn’t want us to publicise the attacks and kidnappings, while the insecurity in our region has not stopped,” the forum said.

Kwara Monarch, Baale’s Wife Abducted as Fresh Wave of Kidnappings Hits Communities

2027: Address Nigerians’ economic hardship, Kano senator urges APC campaign council

Senator representing Kano South, Suleiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council to acknowledge the economic hardship facing Nigerians and make empathy, grassroots engagement and meaningful relief central to the party’s campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kawu, who is also the APC senatorial candidate for Kano South, said the ruling party must reconnect with Nigerians at the grassroots, strengthen its internal structures and unite all stakeholders if it hopes to secure victory in the 2027 elections.

The senator made the call in a goodwill message to former Zamfara State Governor and Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, following the constitution of the party’s campaign structure.

He said the APC’s campaign strategy must be built around responsiveness, effective communication, electoral integrity and a genuine understanding of the difficulties confronting ordinary Nigerians.

Kawu said the party could not afford to ignore the economic realities facing households as it seeks to persuade voters to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“We must approach our citizens with deep empathy, active listening, and genuine sensitivity to the economic hardships and socio-economic challenges currently affecting everyday families,” he said.

According to him, the campaign must convince Nigerians that the APC-led administration understands their struggles and is committed to providing meaningful relief.

“Our campaign must demonstrate that we truly feel their pain, understand their daily struggles, and are sincerely committed to delivering meaningful reliefs,” the senator added.

Kawu warned that a growing disconnect between political leaders and citizens could create misconceptions and misunderstandings capable of undermining confidence in both the President and the ruling party.

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“A disconnect between leadership and the electorate creates misperceptions and misunderstandings that ultimately undermine both the President and the party,” he said.

He therefore urged the APC campaign council to prioritise sustained engagement with constituents and communities across the country, particularly at the grassroots where voters directly experience the impact of government policies.

The senator’s comments come as political parties intensify their mobilisation following the commencement of the official campaign period for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections on August 19, 2026.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

Kawu also urged the APC campaign team to strictly comply with the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution, arguing that respect for electoral laws would be critical to maintaining the legitimacy of the election and public confidence in the democratic process.

“Our campaign activities must strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution, ensuring our efforts are rooted in legitimacy and public trust,” he said.

He further called on campaign officials to clearly communicate the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration, saying Nigerians should be adequately informed about the government’s agenda and achievements.

“We must leverage our collective expertise to clearly convey the President’s key policies, programmes, and strategic vision so the public fully recognises his commitment to national progress,” Kawu said.

The senator’s call comes amid intense public debate over the impact of the Federal Government’s economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system.

While the administration has maintained that the reforms are necessary to stabilise the economy and create the foundation for sustainable growth, Nigerians have continued to grapple with high living costs, food prices, transportation expenses and pressure on household incomes.

Kawu’s appeal suggests that the economic hardship facing Nigerians will remain an important issue for the APC as it campaigns for another term for Tinubu.

The Kano senator also identified party unity as a critical factor in the APC’s chances at the polls, urging party leaders and members to resolve internal disagreements and work together ahead of the elections.

“Victory depends on complete solidarity. We must heal internal rifts, set aside differences, and ensure that all key stakeholders, party leaders, and members at every level are fully carried along as equal partners in this mission,” he said.

Kawu said the APC must confront its strategic weaknesses, strengthen its grassroots structures and ensure that party leaders, elected officials, candidates and members operate towards a common objective.

He stressed the importance of the assignment, noting that he would be contesting for the Kano South senatorial seat on the same ballot as President Tinubu.

“As an APC senatorial candidate running on the same ballot and alongside the President, representing the 16 local government areas of Kano South, I recognise the magnitude of the task before us,” he said.

The senator’s comments came shortly after the APC unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council, with Yari appointed Director-General to coordinate the ruling party’s campaign machinery.

Yari has expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to retain the presidency in 2027 and pledged that the party would fulfil promises made to Nigerians during the campaign.

For Kawu, however, electoral victory will require more than campaign structures, political mobilisation and promises.

He said the APC must demonstrate that it understands the everyday realities of Nigerians, communicate the administration’s policies effectively, remain within the law and rebuild stronger connections with voters at the grassroots.

With the 2027 election campaign now underway, the senator’s message places economic hardship, grassroots engagement, party unity and electoral integrity among the issues the APC will have to address as it seeks to convince Nigerians to renew its mandate.

2027: Address Nigerians’ economic hardship, Kano senator urges APC campaign council