Kwara Traditional Ruler Escapes Kidnappers After Vigilante Raid

The successful **Traditional Ruler Escapes** from kidnappers, facilitated by a swift vigilante raid, has brought immense relief to the Bayagan community. The Ojibara of Bayagan, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, is now free after being abducted. This significant news has been met with widespread joy and profound community relief, marking a crucial moment in the fight against rising insecurity.

The Abduction of the Kwara Traditional Ruler

The unsettling incident began on Saturday morning, November 29, 2025. While working on his farm, Alhaji Salami was suddenly attacked by armed bandits. These kidnappers swiftly seized the Kwara traditional ruler and forced him onto a motorcycle, initiating his harrowing journey into the forest.

The Abductors and Their Method
Following the attack, the abductors transported the traditional ruler deep into the wilderness. Consequently, his motorcycle was later found abandoned, a grim testament to the violent nature of the abduction.

Discovery and Immediate Alarm
Fellow farmers, witnessing the event, quickly raised the alarm. A key witness, who had cleverly hidden in a nearby guinea corn farm, provided a crucial account of the entire incident, aiding in the subsequent efforts.

The Ransom Demand and Growing Fear
The abductors subsequently issued a staggering ransom demand of 150 million Naira. This demand caused great fear among the community members and family, with a family source expressing profound distress over the situation and the potential threat to the ruler.

The Monarch’s Journey Through the Forest

The journey through the dense forest was long and arduous for the traditional ruler. Bandits transported him for hours, and he rode a motorcycle for over five hours through challenging forest terrain before reaching their remote hideout.

Reaching the Remote Forest Hideout
Eventually, they arrived at the kidnappers’ forest hideout, a remote location far from civilization. The monarch managed to make a phone call to his people, confirming his survival and initiating a plea for negotiation.

Plea for Negotiation and Shared Ordeal
He urgently pleaded for negotiation, confirming he was alive. Moreover, information emerged that other individuals from nearby areas were also held captive alongside the monarch, highlighting a broader problem of banditry in Kwara.

Vigilante Intervention and Forest Hideout Raid

In response to the alarming situation, local vigilante groups took decisive action. Swiftly and relentlessly, they tracked the kidnappers, ultimately locating their hidden camp deep within the forest. This led to a critical forest hideout raid.

The Fierce Raid and Gun Battle
There, the vigilantes launched a fierce attack, initiating a heavy gun battle near Eku Idaji, close to Igbaja town. The intensity of the engagement was a testament to the bravery of the community defenders.

The Result of the Vigilante Battle
As a result of the intense fighting and the immense pressure applied by the vigilantes, chaos erupted among the bandit ranks.

The Daring Escape of the Traditional Ruler

Ultimately, the relentless pressure from the vigilante raid forced the bandits to abandon their captives. The Ojibara, along with six other abducted individuals, seized this opportune moment. They managed to flee the scene in a daring escape, ensuring their freedom.

Safety Confirmed After Escape
The group is now confirmed safe from harm, although they had not yet returned to their homes. Still, they successfully contacted community members, confirming their escape and current safety, which provided great reassurance to everyone.

Rising Insecurity and Banditry in Kwara

This incident starkly highlights the growing fears and pervasive insecurity plaguing Kwara State. Banditry has seen a significant increase recently, contributing to a climate of fear.

Previous Attacks Underscoring the Threat
Just weeks prior, worshippers were abducted at a church in Eruku, and many other residents were also taken. These frequent attacks, particularly targeting rural areas, underscore the severity of banditry in Kwara.

Community Panic and Bold Criminals
Consequently, these events cause widespread panic. The Ojibara’s abduction, and his subsequent Traditional Ruler Escapes, adds to this pervasive fear and demonstrates the bold, audacious nature of the criminals operating in the region.

Community and Security Response to the Crisis

The Bayagan community eagerly awaits the safe return of their beloved ruler. Indeed, there is immense anticipation for his final arrival back home. Security operatives remain actively engaged in the area.

Ongoing Efforts to Apprehend Culprits
They are diligently trying to apprehend the fleeing culprits responsible for the abduction. The vigilantes’ swift action and courage during the forest hideout raid have rightfully earned widespread praise. Crucially, their bravery was instrumental in the Traditional Ruler Escapes.

Looking Ahead: Resilience and Continued Vigilance

The monarch’s successful escape offers a beacon of hope. For example, it powerfully illustrates the resilience of the community and the effectiveness of organized local resistance. However, the broader fight against crime and banditry in Kwara continues unabated.

Call for Stronger Government Security Measures
Residents are urgently calling for stronger government action and the implementation of more robust security measures across the state. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges, therefore underscoring the critical need for enhanced safety and security for all.