Insecurity
EXCLUSIVE: After Two Months In Captivity, Kwara Traditional Ruler Regains Freedom After Family Pays Millions In Ransom, Motorcycle To Terrorists
Afrika Eyes gathered that the monarch was kidnapped on April 15, 2025, at about 3:00 p.m. by armed terrorists who invaded the area and whisked him away to their hideout.
Ilorin, Kwara State– The traditional ruler of Olohuntele Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has regained his freedom after spending nearly two months in captivity following his abduction by suspected terrorists.
Afrika Eyes gathered that the monarch was kidnapped on April 15, 2025, at about 3:00 p.m. by armed terrorists who invaded the area and whisked him away to their hideout.
A family source, who spoke to Afrika Eyes on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed that the traditional ruler was released on Tuesday evening after his family and supporters paid a huge ransom to secure his freedom.
According to the source, the kidnappers demanded and eventually collected millions of naira as ransom, in addition to a motorcycle, before releasing the traditional ruler.
“He was released yesterday night after the terrorists collected millions of naira and one motorcycle. We thank God that he is alive, but he is in a distressing condition after spending about two months in captivity,” the source said.
The source added that the monarch appeared physically weak and traumatised following his ordeal in the terrorists’ den, where he was held since his abduction in April.
The release of the traditional ruler has brought relief to residents of Olohuntele Community and neighbouring communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area, who had expressed concerns over his prolonged captivity and the worsening insecurity in the area.
His abduction was one of several kidnapping incidents that have continued to plague communities across parts of Kwara State and other regions of Nigeria, where armed bandits and terrorist groups have increasingly targeted traditional rulers, farmers, travellers and other residents for ransom.
Earlier, Afrika Eyes reported that nine residents of Idi-Iya community near Yaru in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, who were abducted by gunmen in April, have regained their freedom after the alleged payment of a substantial ransom, Afrika Eyes has learned.
The development came as security operatives in the local government area arrested four suspected members of a criminal gang accused of looting properties and livestock from communities deserted due to persistent bandit attacks.
Afrika Eyes gathered that the nine victims were kidnapped on April 23, 2026, and remained in captivity for several weeks before regaining their freedom on Tuesday evening.
A security source familiar with the development told Afrika Eyes that all the abductees returned alive despite earlier rumours suggesting that two of them had died while in captivity.
