Bandits Kidnap Kwara Monarch, Baale’s Wife, Demand ₦20 Million Ransom

Suspected bandits have kidnapped the first wife of the Baale of Dabu in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, identified as Iya Ayoka.

The incident reportedly happened on Friday night, according to the Kwara South Development Forum.

In a separate attack, the King of Igbesi, a community in Oke-Onigbin, Isin Local Government Area of the state, Oba Moses Iwedunmoye I, was also abducted by suspected bandits.

The monarch was reportedly kidnapped when the attackers invaded the community at about 11pm on Saturday.

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, confirmed the abduction of the traditional ruler.

According to The Guardian, however, while a palace source claimed that the monarch was abducted alongside some other residents, the police commissioner said only the traditional ruler was kidnapped.

The police have yet to disclose further details about the incident or whether any arrests have been made.

Meanwhile, kidnappers have demanded ₦20 million for the release of 23-year-old Fasilat Babatunde, who was abducted from a nearby community.

Babatunde was reportedly kidnapped from her residence in Wande community, Ifelodun Local Government Area, during an attack by armed men.

The incidents have heightened tensions in Kwara.

Meanwhile, weeks ago, some women and children abducted from the Woro community in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State reportedly told relatives that money was delivered to their captors by helicopter days before they regained freedom.

According to Sahara Reporters, the account, which has not been independently verified, appears to contradict the Federal Government’s position that the victims were rescued through a coordinated security operation without ransom payment.

A relative who recently visited some of the freed victims said two members of his family were surprised when they heard government officials describe their release as a successful military rescue.

According to him, the victims claimed they witnessed a helicopter arrive at their location in the forest and deliver money to the kidnappers shortly before they were released.

“When they heard that the government was claiming they were rescued and that no money was paid, two of my family members were shocked,” the relative said.

The relative said the abductees were prevented from approaching the money when it was allegedly brought to the kidnappers.

He said, “They said a helicopter came while they were in captivity and money was brought to the kidnappers. They saw it, but they were not allowed to touch the money.

“The kidnappers prevented them from going near it. This was a few days, like four to five days before they were released.”