Bandits kidnap Kwara traditional ruler, demand N150m ransom

Bandits have abducted a traditional ruler in Bayagan community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Ojibara of Bayagan, Oba Kamilu Salami.

It was gathered that the monarch was kidnapped around 9:30 am on Saturday morning, November 29, 2025 on his farm by a gang of bandits with AK-47 rifles. 

Eyewitness disclosed that the attack happened suddenly and left the community in apprehension and confusion. 

Speaking anonymously, a source from the community disclosed that a farmer from a neighbouring village witnessed the abduction. 

The eyewitness, who claimed he was hiding inside a guinea corn farm, said he saw the kidnappers forcing the traditional ruler onto a motorcycle at gunpoint and speeding off in an unknown direction.

According to Vanguard, the bandits contacted the community in the early hours of Sunday, demanding N150m ransom.

Oba Ojibara was asked by the bandits to speak with members of his community so they would believe he was in their custody. 

The publication gathered that the monarch, in his lamentations, urged the community to come to his rescue by negotiating with the bandits for his quick release.

He said they took him on a motorcycle through the thick forests for more than five hours before they arrived at their destination, where they were communicating with the community. 

The monarch reportedly told members of his community that an unspecified number of people were also abducted in the neighbouring community, while he was being taken away.