BREAKING: Bandits Release Nine Adanla Abductees After Community Pays Over N40 Million Ransom In Kwara

Ilorin,  Kwara State– Nine residents of Adanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State who were abducted by armed bandits late last year have regained their freedom after the community reportedly paid over N40 million as ransom to the kidnappers.

The victims were abducted on December 26, 2025, when heavily armed terrorists invaded the palace of the community’s monarch, Oba Olarinoye, in Adanla.

The attackers reportedly whisked away nine villagers during the raid, holding them captive for several weeks while demanding a huge ransom from the community.

A community source confirmed to Afrika Eyes that the victims were released on Thursday night after the ransom was paid to the terrorists.

According to the source, the kidnappers still demanded additional payment before eventually releasing the victims.

“Adanla 9 have all regained their freedom. To God be the glory!” the source said.

Residents had earlier accused security operatives and the Kwara State government of abandoning the community as they struggled to secure the release of the abductees.

Sources in the community said families of the victims and concerned residents had to mobilise funds to meet the demands of the kidnappers after weeks of uncertainty over the fate of the captives.

Afrika Eyes had earlier reported that residents of Adanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have accused security operatives and the state government of abandoning nine villagers who remain in captivity months after bandits abducted them and the community reportedly paid over N40 million as ransom.

A source in the community told Afrika Eyes on Friday that the victims have been in the custody of the terrorists since December 2025, despite the huge ransom payment made by residents in an attempt to secure their freedom.

The nine victims were abducted on December 26, 2025, when armed terrorists stormed the palace of the community’s monarch, Oba Olarinoye, in Adanla.

According to residents, the attackers had specifically come to kidnap the monarch and his queen but did not find them at the palace during the invasion.

The monarch was said to have travelled to Igbaja town for an event when the bandits arrived at the palace on the day of the attack.

Unable to find the traditional ruler and his wife, the terrorists allegedly abducted nine residents who were present at the palace and forced them into the surrounding forest.

Despite efforts by the community to negotiate with the abductors and the reported payment of more than N40 million as ransom, the victims are still being held by the bandits several months later.

Community members have expressed frustration over lack of decisive intervention by security agencies.

“Our official security agencies aren’t proactive. Imagine paying over N40 million to get the release of the Adanla abductees since December 26 last year, yet they are still in captivity,” the source lamented.