Kwara Monarch Still Held By Bandits As Kidnappers Demand ₦100m–₦150m Ransom

Contrary to earlier claims that he had regained freedom, the traditional ruler of Bayangan in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Ojibara of Bayangan, remains in the custody of bandits.

The monarch was abducted on Saturday around 9:30 a.m., alongside 12 other residents. Security sources who spoke in Ilorin on Tuesday dismissed reports of his release, noting that neither the DSS nor the police is currently involved in any confirmed rescue operation.

Sources monitoring the situation revealed that as of December 2, 2025, a total of 13 victims — including the monarch and three women — are still being held in the bandits’ hideouts. The abductors have reportedly carried out attacks across Bayangan, Ilala, Memudu, Adanla, Agbeku, and Idera within the last five days.

The captives are said to be pleading for negotiations, drawing attention to the Eruku case as a precedent for resolving the situation. Meanwhile, the bandits are demanding between ₦100 million and ₦150 million for each hostage.