Traditional Ruler, Ojibara of Bayagan, Six Others Escape From Bandits In Kwara State

The Ojibara of Bayagan in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, and six other abductees have escaped from their captors, Vanguard reports. Sources from the community said the escape followed a daring attack by vigilantes who stormed the forest where the bandits were holding the victims. “The vigilante team confronted the bandits in a fierce battle around the Eku Idaji area, near Igbaja. While the monarch and the six others have not yet returned to Bayagan, they have contacted members of the community to confirm their escape,” a source said. The bandits had earlier demanded a ransom of N150 million for the monarch’s release. Vanguard had learned on Sunday morning that they contacted the community in the early hours to insist on the payment, requiring Oba Ojibara to prove he was in their custody. The monarch reportedly urged his community to negotiate for his release, explaining that he was transported on a motorcycle through dense forests for more than five hours before arriving at the bandits’ hideout. He also revealed that other people had been abducted from a nearby community during the attack. Bayagan is one of the largest communities in Ifelodun LGA. Oba Ojibara was kidnapped around 9:30 am on Saturday when armed bandits, reportedly carrying AK-47 rifles, stormed his farm.

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JUST IN: Bandits Kidnap Ojibara Of Bayagan Oba Kamilu Salami In Kwara State

The Ojibara of Bayagan, Oba Kamilu Salami, a traditional ruler in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has been kidnapped by bandits. The abduction, which occurred on Saturday morning while the monarch was on his farm, has intensified concerns over the rising insecurity in communities across the state. Residents described the attack as sudden, leaving the community shaken and fearful. As of now, the Kwara State Police Command has not officially confirmed the incident.

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Tinubu Orders 24-Hour Security Sweep of Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger Forests Amid Surge in Terror Attacks

President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive security operation across the forests of Kwara State, extending the measure to Kebbi and Niger States in response to a recent spike in terrorist attacks and mass abductions. The President instructed the Air Force to intensify aerial surveillance over remote forest areas suspected of harboring terrorists, as part of a broader effort to curb kidnappings and violent incidents. According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, the operation will include 24-hour monitoring and close coordination with ground security units. “This directive also covers the Kebbi and Niger states axis, where many victims are expected to be rescued,” the statement noted. Local communities have been called upon to promptly report any unusual movements or activities to support the work of security forces.

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BREAKING: Terrorists Invade Isapa Community In Kwara, Kidnap Pregnant Woman, Children, And Nursing Mothers

Terrorists have launched a violent attack on Isapa community in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, kidnapping a pregnant woman, 10 children, two nursing mothers, and several other residents. According to reports, around 20 to 30 armed bandits invaded the community, driving a large herd of cattle and firing sporadically. An elderly woman was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during the assault. A community leader confirmed to National Pilot that 11 people were abducted, including seven members of the same family. The victims have been named as Talatu Kabiru, Magaji, Kande, Hadiza, Mariam, Saima, Habibat, Fatima Yusufu, Sarah Sunday (pregnant), Lami Fidelis (nursing mother), and Haja Na Allah. The attackers reportedly fled through bush paths connecting Eruku to nearby communities, leaving residents in panic and confusion. This attack comes barely two weeks after gunmen targeted Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), abducting 38 worshippers and killing others during the raid. Authorities later confirmed that all 38 church abductees were rescued.

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Bayo Onanuga Says 38 Churchgoers Were Freed From Kwara Kidnappers After Security Operatives Threatened Consequences

Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, has explained how 38 churchgoers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State, last Tuesday were safely released on Sunday, November 23. In an interview with Arise TV on November 24, Onanuga said the military and the Department of State Security (DSS) were instrumental in the operation. He revealed that security agencies contacted the kidnappers directly, making it clear that failure to release the victims would have serious consequences. “They engaged the bandits to secure the release of the captives. Our security agencies use real-time tracking systems to monitor such criminals. When they reached out and demanded the release of the victims, the kidnappers complied, fully aware of the repercussions of disobeying government orders,” Onanuga stated.

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BREAKING: 38 Worshippers Kidnapped From CAC Oke-Isegun In Kwara Regain Freedom

All 38 people kidnapped during last week’s attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained their freedom, the state government confirmed on Sunday. Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said the release followed days of sustained efforts by security agencies and government representatives. He credited the success to President Bola Tinubu’s hands-on approach, noting that the president had postponed a scheduled G20 trip to South Africa to address security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States. Tinubu also ordered heightened security deployments across the state to ensure the safety of citizens. Ajakaye extended the governor’s appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police, which deployed four tactical teams under presidential directive. He also thanked local leaders, religious institutions, and residents for their support and cooperation during the crisis. On Sunday, CAC Oke-Isegun held its first church service since the attack, which left three people dead, 38 kidnapped, and several others injured. The service took place under tight security, with soldiers, SWAT, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara Police, and local vigilantes present. During the service, church secretary Michael Agbabiaka clarified that 38 people were abducted, not the 60 reported on social media. He explained that the initial count included 35 members, with three additional non-members later confirmed among the victims. Agbabiaka also disclosed that the bandits initially demanded N100 million per victim, which was later negotiated down to N20 million each before communications with the kidnappers broke off on Friday. Despite the trauma, church leaders encouraged members to attend the service as an act of faith and resilience. Officiating pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the ordeal as a test of faith and said he received divine assurance that all abducted worshippers would return safely, likening their situation to the biblical trials of the Israelites. Congregants expressed gratitude for the safe return of the victims and for the ongoing security presence patrolling the town and the church.

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JUST IN: Bandits Demand N100 Million Each For 38 Worshippers Abducted In Kwara Church Attack

Bandits who abducted 38 worshippers from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State have reportedly demanded N100 million ransom per victim.  According to Leadership, the kidnappers have begun contacting families of those taken during Tuesday’s church service. A community leader, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, the Olori Eta of Eruku—who has four relatives among the abducted—confirmed the development on Thursday, 20 November. Olukotun said he was inside the church with five family members when the gunmen invaded. He and one ward managed to escape through a window around 6:06 p.m. He explained that the kidnappers have now grouped the victims based on family ties and are reaching out to relatives one group at a time. He said, “From what we gathered from the kidnappers’ camp, they have grouped the victims according to their relations and are calling people in those groups. Some people in the community have received calls demanding N100 million for each person. As for my own people, I have not received any call yet, so I am still waiting.” The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, 18 November, left five worshippers dead and 38 others abducted, sparking widespread fear and tension across the community.

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Olamide Condemns Rising Insecurity, Urges Unity Amid Kebbi Kidnappings And Kwara Church Attack

Nigerian rapper Olamide has voiced his deep concern over the escalating insecurity in the country in a heartfelt message on Instagram. He wrote: “Our nation has been hit by an alarming wave of one tragedy after another these past few days, and honestly, our hearts are broken. We are struggling to process the devastating attack at the CAC in Kwara, even as we mourn the loss of the AFUED NYSC corps members. Our worry is deep and constant, even as we hear that there have been more abductions. In the face of these heinous acts, our nation must draw upon its strength and unwavering resolve to stand together against those who seek to divide us. We as a people must unite to work and pray together for the safe return of the promising young minds kidnapped in Kebbi. I am sending every ounce of peace and strength to the families grieving, and prayers that all the abducted persons are brought home safely. These tragedies are a painful reminder that the safety and security of Nigerians must never be compromised. The right to life and education is fundamental. This can’t be our reality. Peace should be a certainty, not just a desperate prayer.” Olamide expressed heartbreak over recent tragedies, including the attack on the CAC in Kwara and the deaths of AFUED NYSC corps members, while also highlighting the ongoing abductions of young Nigerians. He urged citizens to stand united, work together, and pray for the safe return of those kidnapped, stressing that the country’s security must remain a priority. He further underscored that these incidents are a reminder that the right to life and education is fundamental, emphasizing that peace should be a guaranteed reality, not just a hope. Extending support to grieving families, Olamide’s message calls for national solidarity, vigilance, and compassion in the face of rising insecurity.

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