BREAKING: Tension in Kwara Again as Bandits Kidnap 7 Family Members; Demand N300m

In recent days, a series of violent incidents have unfolded in Nigeria, with reports indicating that over 40 individuals were killed by terrorists in Niger State last weekend, according to Vanguard.

The violence has since spread to Kwara, Katsina, and Kaduna states, where several individuals have been kidnapped, including a photojournalist.

In Kwara State, seven individuals were abducted following an unsuccessful attempt to kidnap the traditional ruler of the Adanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Oba David Oyerinola, and his wife. Meanwhile, numerous abductions have also occurred in various communities throughout Katsina.

The situation in Niger State was particularly alarming, but a potential massacre was thwarted when villagers discovered three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the Ganaru community of Zungeru District, Mashegu Local Government Area.

Prince Oyerinola Olakunle, spokesperson for the Adanla community, urged Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene and assist in the rescue of the victims.

The kidnapped individuals, who are members of the same family, include Sikiru Oyerinola, Taye Oyerinola, Idowu Oyerinola, Faruk Oyerinola, and two minors.

The armed group responsible for the abduction is reportedly demanding a ransom of N300 million for their release.

The Adanla community in Igbaja Ward 2 has been largely deserted in the wake of these attacks, with many residents seeking safety following the failed kidnapping attempt.

Oba David Oyerinola and his wife are currently in hiding at a hotel in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, due to security concerns.

According to Vanguard, the family members of the traditional ruler of Adanla community are also under threat from unknown assailants.

It was gathered that despite the relocation, the monarch and his wife were trailed to Ilorin by the outlaws.

“When the six armed terrorists stormed the palace, they were shouting and asking where is the Kabiyesi, where is the Olori?

“Fortunately, the Kabiyesi was not around, he had gone for a programme at Igbaja town, the next community to Adanla,” Olakunle said.

He said the terrorists stormed the palace while some members of the Kabiyesi’s family who came from Lagos were discussing outside the palace and asked them to stand up since they could not find their prime targets.

“When they realised that Kabiyesi was not in the palace, they just asked the people sitting outside the palace to stand up and were taken into the bush.

“Seven people were picked, and they shot a girl who saw them and ran. She is now in the hospital for medical treatment,” he added.

N300m ransom
It was also gathered that the terrorists called the families of those abducted, demanding N300m ransom for release of their captives.

“They called just once asking if the community wants problem. They said if you know you don’t want problem, and we too don’t want problem with you, we are asking for N300m, pay and we will release your people.

“Kamaru Oyerinola, one of the under-age victim’s father received the call from the terrorists,” Olakunle added.

He urged the state government to wade into the matter and rescue the victims who were members of the same family, since the family could not raise the N300 million ransom.

Olakunle said: “Our peoples’ lives are not safe in the community which has been deserted, the people have fled the community and is now empty.

“I don’t think you can find a single person or human being there for now, except animals such as goats.”
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, at press time yesterday proved abortive.