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BREAKING: Terrorists Release Kwara Monarch After 25 Days In Captivity Following Ransom Payments
The traditional ruler was freed on Tuesday at about 7pm after his family and community members paid ransom to his abductors
Ilorin, Kwara State– Terrorists have released Oba Kamilu Salami, Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile community in Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State, after he spent 25 days in captivity, SaharaReporters has gathered.
The traditional ruler was freed on Tuesday at about 7pm after his family and community members paid ransom to his abductors.
Speaking with Afrika Eyes on Wednesday, Alhaji Rafiu Ayinla Lawal, a senior member of the royal family, disclosed that residents of Ojibara, both at home and in the diaspora, jointly raised the ransom that secured the monarch’s release.
According to him, an initial ransom was paid when the monarch had spent about 15 days with the terrorists, but despite collecting the money, the abductors refused to release him.
“We paid ransom when he spent 15 days with the terrorists. They collected the money but refused to free him. We had to contribute again, and the second payment was delivered yesterday before he was finally released,” Lawal said.
He added that Oba Kamilu was immediately taken to a hospital in the Kwara State capital for medical attention following his ordeal.
He also disclosed that the monarch’s phone had been taken from him to allow him adequate rest under medical care.
Members of the royal family and the Ojibara community expressed disappointment over what they described as the Kwara State government’s failure to intervene.
They told Afrika Eyes that neither the state government nor security agencies contributed to the ransom or made any serious effort to secure the monarch’s freedom.
“We, the family and the entire community, contributed to get our king free. No one from the government or the security agencies made any attempt to rescue him from the terrorists,” the family said.
The abduction and eventual release of the monarch add to growing concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara State and the increasing burden placed on communities to negotiate directly with armed groups for the release of abducted victims.