Relief in Kwara as Monarch Marked With N150m Ransom Escapes Kidnappers’ Den

Relief has enveloped the Bayagan community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State following news that the abducted traditional ruler, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan, successfully escaped from his kidnappers along with six other hostages during a heated gun duel between local vigilantes and armed bandits.

According to reports, the dramatic escape occurred on Sunday evening after vigilante operatives traced the kidnappers to their hideout deep inside a forest around Eku Idaji, near Igbaja, and staged a surprise offensive.

A community source familiar with the rescue attempt said the vigilantes encountered fierce resistance. “They stormed the forest and exchanged heavy gunfire with the bandits,” the source revealed. “In the chaos, the Ojibara and six other captives managed to run to safety. Although they haven’t reached the village yet, the monarch has contacted some of us by phone to confirm he is fine.”

The development came just hours after the kidnappers renewed their demand for a ransom of N150 million to secure the monarch’s freedom. During a negotiation call earlier on Sunday, they allowed Alhaji Salami to speak to his family to confirm he was alive.

Sounding emotional during the call, the monarch recounted how he spent over five hours on a motorcycle navigating the forest before arriving at the kidnappers’ camp. He further disclosed that several other abducted persons from neighbouring communities were also being held at the location.

Alhaji Salami was abducted on Saturday at about 9:30 a.m. when gunmen invaded his farm, firing gunshots into the air before whisking him away on motorcycles.

Although residents of Bayagan are celebrating the news of his escape, many remain anxious as they await his safe return to the community.