Bandits Demand N150 Million Ransom for Kwara Monarch

Bandits who abducted Alhaji Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have demanded N150 million for his release.

The monarch was seized on his farm on Saturday morning.

According to Vanguard, the abductors contacted the community on Sunday, allowing the monarch to speak with them as proof that he was alive. During the call, he appealed to his people to negotiate with the kidnappers to secure his release as quickly as possible.

The traditional ruler reportedly revealed that he was transported for over five hours on a motorcycle through dense forest before reaching the gang’s hideout, where the ransom demand was made.

Negotiations had not commenced at the time of the report, as the call mainly served to inform the community of the amount required.

Alhaji Salami also disclosed that several other persons had been abducted from a neighbouring community, indicating the growing threat of banditry in the region.

The local authorities and community leaders are yet to respond publicly, but the incident adds to mounting concerns about the security situation in Kwara State and other parts of northern Nigeria, where banditry and kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly frequent.