Kwara Monarch, Six Others Regain Freedom After Vigilantes Assault Bandits’ Hideout

The abducted traditional ruler of Bayagan community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Kamilu Salami — the Ojibara of Bayagan — has escaped from his captors along with six other victims, following a fierce rescue assault by local vigilantes.

Reliable community sources confirmed that the dramatic escape happened on Sunday evening after vigilantes launched a coordinated offensive deep inside the forest where the hostages were being kept.

A source told Vanguard: “The vigilante team launched an attack on the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a fierce battle around the Eku Idaji area, close to Igbaja. Although the Baale and the six others have not yet returned to the community, they contacted us to confirm what happened.”

Before the escape, the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N150 million for the monarch’s release and contacted the community early Sunday to repeat their demand. During the call, they allowed the monarch to speak as proof of life.

In his brief message, the Ojibara pleaded with his people to negotiate for his freedom, revealing that he was transported for more than five hours on a motorcycle through thick forest terrain before arriving at the kidnappers’ camp. He also disclosed that several other residents from neighbouring communities had been abducted around the same time.

Alhaji Kamilu Salami was kidnapped around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday when armed bandits stormed his farm, firing shots and seizing him.

While Bayagan community is filled with relief following news of the successful escape, residents remain anxious for the monarch and other victims to be safely reunited with their families.

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