Kwara monarch released after ransom payment

The traditional ruler of Bayagan Ile community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Kamilu Salami, has been released after spending 25 days in captivity.

The monarch, who was abducted by bandits while working on his farm last month, regained freedom on Tuesday night.

Spokesperson of the community, Ayinla Lawal, confirmed the development in a telephone interview on Wednesday.

Salami said the monarch was released after the community raised a ransom that was paid in two instalments.

“Elders and community leaders have pleaded that we should not mention the amount but it was huge,” he said.

He added that additional vigilantes and hunters had been recruited to strengthen security in the community.

Lawal said the monarch had been taken to Ilorin for medical attention.

The monarch’s immediate younger brother, Aliyu, who conveyed him to a private hospital in Ilorin, said he delivered the ransom on behalf of the community and expressed concerns about the process.

“At one point, I was seriously afraid, and I told the community that I couldn’t go again; but they told me that I’m the only person that can go, being the monarch’s immediate younger brother,” he said.

He said the bandits frequently changed locations and communicated with him using the monarch’s phone.

“Their location is very far; one can’t believe that the place is still part of Kwara State. They moved around and don’t stay in one place,” he said.

Efforts to speak with the traditional ruler were unsuccessful as he was said to be sleeping.

“You can’t talk to Kabiesi until after some days,” Aliyu said.

Calls to the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, and the command’s spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, were not answered as at the time of filing this report.

However, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hadji Femi Yusuf, confirmed the release of the monarch.

“Yes, the monarch has been released at last, and we are happy,” Yusuf said.

He added that security had been strengthened in the area to prevent a recurrence of the incident.

“The area where the kidnappers operated has been heavily policed, and we thank God that the monarch was released,” he added.

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