Kwara: Controversy as Abducted Monarch ‘escapes during gunfire’

Confusion has continued to trail reports that the abducted traditional ruler of Bayagan community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Kamilu Salami, and six others have escaped from the custody of their abductors.

News of the monarch’s alleged escape went viral in the state on Sunday.

It was claimed that the victims broke free after a fierce gun battle deep inside the forest.

A source close to the family had told Daily Trust on Monday that the monarch informed his younger wife in their Asa Dam residence about the alleged escape.

“Local vigilantes launched an aggressive operation against the gang in the Eku Idaji axis near Igbaja, forcing the kidnappers to abandon some captives.

“The vigilantes engaged the bandits in a serious firefight in the forest. That was how he and six others managed to escape,” the source said.

According to him, “none of the victims had returned to the community yet but they had reportedly spoken with relatives to confirm their safety”.

However, the police and the state lawmaker representing the constituency told Daily Trust in separate telephone chats on Monday that there was no official confirmation yet that the monarch had regained freedom.

Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said, “Well, I don’t know about that because I just spoke with my DPO who is there. Maybe the family did not carry the police along. As I speak with you, my men are still in the bush.”

Similarly, the lawmaker representing the area, Hon. Abolarin, said he was yet to sight the monarch despite visiting Bayagan earlier on Sunday.

“I also read something like that, but we have not seen him. I went to the community this morning and met his wife. Based on our discussion, I don’t think he has escaped,” he said.

The development comes hours after the bandits reportedly demanded N150 million from the community for the monarch’s release.

Sources said the attackers contacted residents in the early hours of Sunday and allowed the monarch to speak to them to confirm he was in captivity.

During the brief communication, Oba Salami was said to have pleaded with his people to help secure his release, narrating how he was taken through thick forests on a motorcycle for over five hours.

The monarch was abducted around 9:30am on Saturday when gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles invaded his farm.

Four other persons were also kidnapped from a neighbouring community as they fled with the monarch, Hon Salau said.

Bayagan, is a community in Omupo axis, Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State.

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