The abducted traditional ruler of Bayagan community in Kwara State, Alhaji Kamilu Salami (Ojibara of Bayagan), has regained freedom alongside six other captives after local vigilantes launched a daring raid on the bandits’ forest camp.
Community sources told Journalist that the rescue happened Sunday evening when vigilantes stormed the kidnappers’ hideout around Eku Idaji forest near Igbaja in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
“The vigilantes went deep into the bush and engaged the bandits in serious gunfire. In the confusion, the Baale and the six others managed to escape,” a resident said on condition of anonymity.
Although the monarch and the freed victims had not reached the community as at late Sunday night, they reportedly made phone contact with family members to confirm their escape and say they were heading home.
The Ojibara was kidnapped on Saturday morning while working on his farm. The gunmen shot sporadically to scare people away before bundling him onto a motorcycle and disappearing into the forest.
Early Sunday, the bandits called the community demanding N150 million ransom and allowed the monarch to speak briefly. In a trembling voice, he begged his people to do everything possible to secure his release, revealing that he had been taken on a motorcycle for over five hours through thick bush to reach the camp.
He also disclosed that several other persons from nearby villages were being held in the same location.
News of the escape has brought huge relief to Bayagan and neighbouring communities that have lived in fear since Saturday’s attack.
Local vigilantes have intensified patrols in the area while residents await the safe return of the monarch and the other freed captives.
