Kwara Monarch and Six Others Escape After Vigilantes Launch Fierce Attack on Bandits

Tension, fear and uncertainty turned into dramatic relief on Sunday evening after a Kwara monarch and six other abducted victims escaped from the hands of armed bandits. Their freedom came after a group of determined local vigilantes launched a bold and coordinated offensive deep inside the forest where the captives were being held.

According to credible community sources, the vigilantes had been tracking the movement of the kidnappers since the abductions occurred. On Sunday, acting on intelligence about the exact location of the hideout, they mobilised and moved into the forest. Their sudden and aggressive attack reportedly caught the bandits off guard, which caused confusion among the kidnappers and created a rare opportunity for the captives to flee.

The bandits had earlier demanded one hundred and fifty million naira for the release of the monarch, Alhaji Kamilu Salami. They contacted the community in the early hours of Sunday to repeat their demand. During the call, they allowed the monarch to speak directly to his people as proof that he was alive and still in captivity.

In the emotional conversation, the Ojibara begged the community to do everything possible to secure his safe release. He described the ordeal he had endured and explained that he was transported on a motorcycle for more than five hours through thick forest, rough paths and dangerous terrain before reaching the kidnappers hideout. He also revealed that several other residents from neighbouring communities were abducted during the same period, which raised further concern about insecurity in the area.

Alhaji Salami was captured at about nine thirty in the morning on Saturday when armed bandits invaded his farm. They fired several shots to create panic before dragging him into the forest. His abduction immediately threw Bayagan community in Ifelodun Local Government Area into fear and sorrow, with residents praying and hoping for his safety.

The news of his escape has brought relief, but the community is still cautious. While many residents are celebrating the bravery of the vigilantes, others remain anxious as they await the monarch’s safe return and hope that he is completely out of danger. The incident has also renewed calls for stronger security presence and urgent government intervention in rural communities that are being targeted by kidnappers.

For now, Bayagan is holding on to hope, grateful for the escape and watchful as developments continue to unfold.