Traditional ruler abducted in Kwara, heightening fears over worsening insecurity

A traditional ruler in Kwara State, the Ojibara of Bayagan, Oba Kamilu Salami, has reportedly been abducted by bandits, deepening anxiety over the persistent wave of insecurity affecting communities across the state. The monarch was kidnapped early Saturday morning while working on his farm, sparking renewed outrage and fear among residents who say criminal attacks have increasingly become unpredictable and more violent.

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According to community sources, the abduction occurred abruptly, with armed men reportedly emerging from a nearby bush and overpowering the monarch before whisking him away to an unknown destination. Although full details of the operation remain unclear, witnesses described the attack as swift, coordinated, and executed with frightening precision. Many villagers who later gathered at the scene said they were still struggling to comprehend how the assailants had infiltrated the area without detection.

The incident has left the Bayagan community in a state of shock. Residents say the kidnapping of a revered traditional ruler, especially on his farm, underscores how unsafe the area has become, even for those who are typically considered symbols of authority and communal stability. Several community members lamented that if a monarch could be taken so easily, then ordinary citizens stood little chance against the growing menace of banditry.

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Local leaders and residents reported that the attack has intensified the climate of fear already gripping the surrounding towns and villages. In recent months, similar incidents of abductions, farm invasions, and robberies have been reported in parts of Ifelodun Local Government Area, though none had targeted a figure as prominent as the Ojibara. Many inhabitants now worry that the latest attack may embolden criminal groups

Athekame Kenneth is a politics, economy, and finance reporter whose work is anchored in sharp investigative storytelling. He brings analytical depth to every piece, drawing on a strong academic foundation that includes a degree in Economics, an MBA in International Trade, and a minor in Petroleum Economics from Lagos State University, Ojo. His reporting blends rigorous research with a keen eye for hidden truths, delivering stories that illuminate power, policy, and the forces shaping everyday lives.

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