Bandits Lay Siege to Kwara South, Demand N400m Ransom for 22 Hostages

Bandits Lay Siege to Kwara South, Demand N400m Ransom for 22 Hostages

Kwara South Senatorial District is grappling with a worsening security crisis as bandits hold more than 22 residents hostage across several communities, demanding over N400 million in ransom alongside food and drinks.

Investigations reveal that the abductions are spread across multiple locations in the zone. In Adanla community, nine persons were kidnapped on December 26, 2025 (Boxing Day), with the bandits reportedly demanding N300 million for their release. Eleven other victims are being held in Afin Isapa, where a ransom of N35 million has been placed on their freedom.

In addition, four persons were abducted along the Isanlu–Isin highway, two were kidnapped in Owa-Onire, while eight others were seized in Ikosin community. All the affected areas fall within Kwara South, where fear and uncertainty have forced some residents to flee their homes.

The situation has drawn heightened concern following the abduction of the Oniwo of Afin, Oba Olanipekun, and his son, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Sources disclosed that the bandits have threatened to kill either the monarch or his son should the ransom not be paid, a move seen as a desperate attempt to force compliance.

Findings indicate that the criminal gangs are operating from dense forests, hills and caves within the region, exploiting porous borders to evade security forces. This terrain, coupled with poor communication infrastructure, has made tracking the bandits extremely difficult.

Compounding the crisis are allegations that some locals are collaborating with the kidnappers by supplying food, shelter and intelligence. DAILY POST gathered that informants within communities have continued to frustrate security efforts, although government authorities and security agencies are reportedly working to address the challenge.

Credible sources confirmed that appeals have been made to residents to expose informants within their midst and cooperate with security agencies to dismantle the criminal networks.

In response, the Kwara State Government has trained and deployed forest guards to work alongside conventional security forces in combing the forests, while joint patrols have been intensified in vulnerable areas.

A security source disclosed that while the exact number of arrests remains unclear, recent operations have led to the neutralisation of several bandits and the arrest of suspects accused of supplying arms, food and logistics to the gangs.

“The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with federal security agencies, has taken concrete steps to tackle the menace, including the deployment of forest guards and plans to strengthen joint patrols,” the source said.

The government, the source added, has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on banditry and vowed to restore peace across the region.

Emphasising the role of residents, the source called for stronger community engagement, urging locals to report suspicious movements and share intelligence promptly.

He also recommended increased patrols and checkpoints in flashpoints, closer coordination among security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders, and greater use of technology and human intelligence to track the bandits.

“Kara cattle markets, where bandits are believed to stockpile arms and hold clandestine meetings, should also be temporarily shut down,” he added.