Kidnapped Kwara monarch, six others Escape as vigilantes battle bandits in forest

Kidnapped Kwara monarch, six others Escape as vigilantes battle bandits in forest

The abducted monarch, Ojibara of Bayagan, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, has escaped from captivity alongside six other victims after a fierce confrontation between vigilantes and the bandits holding them.

According to credible community sources, the monarch and the other abductees fled after vigilante operatives launched a coordinated offensive deep inside the forest on Sunday. The operation reportedly took place around the Eku Idaji area near Igbaja, where the vigilantes engaged the criminals in a prolonged gun battle.

A source said the escapees had communicated with community members to confirm their safety, though they had not yet physically returned to the village as of Sunday evening.

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The bandits had earlier demanded ₦150 million ransom for the monarch’s release. The Ojibara of Bayagan was kidnapped around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday when armed bandits invaded his farm, whisking him away on a motorcycle through dense forest paths for over five hours.

Before the escape, the bandits forced the monarch to speak with his community to validate his captivity and urge them to negotiate for his release. During the call, the monarch also revealed that several individuals from a neighbouring community had been abducted by the same criminal group.

The successful escape has brought relief to residents, though concerns remain over rising cases of banditry in Kwara State.

Kidnapped Kwara monarch, six others Escape as vigilantes battle bandits in forest