Over 22 persons are currently being held hostage by bandits across several communities in Kwara South, with their captors demanding a total ransom exceeding N400 million alongside provisions of food and drinks.
The affected communities—Adanla, Isapa, Isanlu-Isin, and Owa-Onire—remain vulnerable, largely due to the absence of strong military presence compared to other parts of the state covered by federal and state security installations.
Reliable sources indicate that the bandits have shifted operations from more heavily secured areas such as Okeode, Babanla, and Eruku to less protected communities where security is minimal or non-existent.
Details of the Captives
OBSERVERS TIMES can authoritatively report that Currently, nine captives remain in detention, including Oba Simeon Olanipekun, the monarch of Afin in Ile Ere district, and his son, Olaolu, a youth corper abducted last December. Similarly, nine persons abducted in Isapa, two kidnapped on the Isanlu-Isin highway earlier this year, and two individuals seized in Owa-Onire in December are all still in captivity.
The Olowa of Owa-Onire, Oba AbdulRahman Fabiyi, who himself was kidnapped and released after a ransom payment of N5 million earlier this year, confirmed that two persons abducted in his community remain captive. Speaking on Friday, he said:
“I spoke with the two yesterday. We have paid N2 million and negotiated down to N800,000 plus food and drinks that we must deliver before their release.”
He lamented the community’s porous security situation and appealed to state authorities to expedite the establishment of a police station in Owa-Onire to curb the incessant kidnappings.
“They operate freely here because we have no security presence. Once the ransom and provisions run out, they could abduct again,” he said.
Oba Olanipekun recounted his traumatic ordeal and detailed the challenges security agencies face:
“The vast forests and multiple escape routes give the bandits advantages. They warn captives against escape. The difficult terrain and extensive forest cover have complicated security efforts.”
Security Challenges and Efforts
Zubair Olaitan, Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch for Kwara South Senatorial District, highlighted the difficulties in countering banditry:
“The region’s terrain of forests, hills, caves, and porous borders provide safe havens for bandits. Some locals reportedly support them with shelter, food, and intelligence.”
Olaitan noted poor communication and coordination among security agencies and residents as a hindrance but confirmed that efforts are ongoing:
“Kwara State Government, alongside federal agencies, has deployed forest guards and launched joint patrols. They have also neutralized several bandits and apprehended collaborators supplying weapons and provisions.”
Specific Cases of Ransom Demands
No progress has been made regarding the N300 million ransom demanded by bandits for nine victims abducted in Adanla community (Ifelodun LGA) on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025. Bandits made three contacts with community leaders, threatening no release without full payment.
The bandits initially attempted to abduct the community’s king, David Olarinoye, but failed as he was away at the time. They instead captured nine others—seven taken from the king’s palace and two along the way to the bush.
In Isapa, Ekiti Local Government Area, Chief Idowu Sunday, the Akeweje of Isapa land, reported that 11 persons are still held hostage, with the bandits demanding N35 million for their release. He revealed that a pregnant Hausa woman among the captives was recently brought to a stream in nearby OroAgo town on a motorcycle when she went into labor contractions.
Initially, bandits had demanded N300 million after collecting N350 million to release others abducted at CAC Oke-Isegun in Eruku. After negotiations, the ransom was lowered to N35 million. However, when three community members attempted to deliver N4 million, two were seized along with others, raising the number of captives to 11. The third escaped.
The Akeweje pleaded for urgent state intervention, warning that the bandits threatened to kill the captives and carry out further attacks on residents if demands are unmet.
“We cannot take this lightly. We fear for lives. The government must intervene,” he urged.
