- Over 22 residents abducted across Kwara South communities
- Bandits demand more than N400 million plus food and drinks
- Traditional rulers, youths, and travelers among captives
- Communities lack security presence, worsening attacks
More than 22 persons are currently in the custody of bandits in Kwara South, as criminal gangs continue to terrorise rural communities, demanding over N400 million in ransom, food items, and drinks before releasing their victims.
Investigations revealed that the affected communities include Adanla, Isapa, Isanlu-Isin, and Owa-Onire, most of which are outside the coverage of military and security formations recently established by the state and federal governments.
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Findings showed that the bandits relocated from areas such as Okeode, Babanla, and Eruku, where military bases were set up, to more vulnerable communities with little or no security presence, allowing them to continue their operations unhindered.
At least nine persons, including the monarch of Afin in the Ile-Ere district, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, and his son Olaolu, remain in captivity. Also held is a youth corps member abducted in December.
In Isapa, nine residents are still being detained, while two people kidnapped along the Isanlu-Isin highway earlier this year remain missing.
Similarly, two residents abducted in Owa-Onire in December are yet to regain their freedom.
The Olowa of Owa-Onire, Oba AbdulRahman Fabiyi, who himself was kidnapped in 2024 and released after paying N5 million, confirmed ongoing negotiations for the release of two abducted residents.
“We have paid N2 million already. The bandits later reduced their demand to N800,000, with a list of foods and drinks they want before releasing them,” the monarch said.
He lamented the absence of any security presence in the community.
“They operate freely here. Once the ransom and food finish, they come back to abduct more people. We urgently need a police station in Owa-Onire,” he added.
Speaking on the situation, Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch in Kwara South, Zubair Olaitan, explained that the terrain has made operations difficult.
“The forests are vast, with hills, caves, and multiple escape routes. The porous borders and alleged support from some locals have made tracking these criminals extremely challenging,” he said.
He noted that poor communication tools and coordination gaps have also slowed down response efforts.
Olaitan disclosed that the Kwara State Government, working with federal security agencies, has deployed forest guards and joint patrol teams, recording some successes.
“Several bandits have been neutralised, and suspects supplying them with weapons and food have been arrested. Efforts are ongoing to fully comb the forests,” he stated.
However, no progress has been made regarding the N300 million ransom demanded for nine victims abducted in Adanla on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025.
The victims were seized after bandits failed to abduct the community king, Oba David Olarinoye, who was away at the time.
In Isapa, Ekiti Local Government Area, the Akeweje of Isapa land, Chief Idowu Sunday, said 11 persons are still in captivity, with bandits demanding N35 million.
He revealed that a pregnant Hausa woman among the captives was recently taken to a stream in Oro-Ago after she began experiencing labour contractions.
“They first demanded N300 million. After negotiations, they asked for N35 million. When three of our people went with N4 million, two were seized, calling the money ‘recharge card’,” he said.
