Kwara Monarch, 6 Others Escape Bandits Following Vigilante Rescue Operation

The abducted traditional ruler of Bayagan community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan, has miraculously escaped captivity along with six other hostages following a fierce gun battle between local vigilantes and armed bandits.

Sources in the community told Vanguard that the escape occurred Sunday evening when vigilante operatives launched a coordinated attack on the bandits’ hideout deep in a forest near Eku Idaji, close to Igbaja.

“The vigilantes stormed the forest and engaged the bandits in a serious exchange of gunfire. In the ensuing confusion, the Ojibara and six other captives managed to escape.

Though they are yet to return to the village, the monarch has personally contacted some of us to confirm that he is free and safe,” a community source said.

The bandits had earlier demanded a ransom of N150 million for the monarch’s release and had even put him on the phone as proof of life.

Alhaji Salami recounted being forced to ride on motorcycles for over five hours through thick forest before reaching the captors’ camp. He also revealed that several other people from neighboring communities remained in captivity.

The abduction occurred on Saturday morning when gun-wielding assailants stormed the monarch’s farm, fired shots into the air, and whisked him away on motorcycles.

News of the escape brought relief and joy to residents of Bayagan, though many are still anxiously awaiting the monarch’s physical return home.