Insecurity
BREAKING: Kwara South Residents Block Road After Mass Kidnappings
Those who were kidnapped have not been released despite a ransom payment of N20 million
Ilorin, Kwara State– Residents of Eleyin community in Isanlu-Isin, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Saturday blocked a key road in protest after a nass of abductions that locals say has left several people missing and the community shaken.
In a video obtained by Afrika Eyese, demonstrators erected barricades and prevented all vehicles from using the road, saying they would not allow passage until state and federal authorities moved to secure the area and rescue the captives.
Chanting and placards demanded urgent intervention from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and President Bola Tinubu.
An elderly community leader, explained that the kidnappers seized seven people in the Eleyin community — three wives, a husband and three children — and that the victims remain in captivity despite a ransom payment.
“Those who were kidnapped have not been released despite a ransom payment of N20 million,” he said, adding that “the people who went to deliver the money are also being held hostage.”
Another protester told the crowd that gunmen had abducted three children from the area as early as Wednesday, intensifying fear among residents and prompting the mass show of anger on Saturday.
“We are calling on the government to come to our rescue,” the protester said. “We appeal to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and President Tinubu to intervene and assist us.”
The demonstrators laid out a list of demands: immediate deployment of additional security personnel to Eleyin and neighbouring communities; a coordinated rescue operation for the abducted; protection for families attempting to pay ransoms or recover loved ones; and a visible commitment from state and federal security agencies to restore safety in the area.
Several protesters warned that, if the authorities failed to act, the community would take “all available means” to protect itself.
The demonstration adds to growing concerns among residents in parts of Kwara South about insecurity and the authorities’ ability to protect rural communities from armed kidnapping gangs.
