The abducted traditional ruler of Bayagan in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Kamilu Salami (the Ojibara of Bayagan), along with six other kidnapped victims, has escaped from their captors.
According to credible community sources, the escape happened after local vigilantes launched a strong attack on the bandits in the forest.
“The vigilantes went deep into the forest and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle around the Eku Idaji area, close to Igbaja. During the confrontation, the Baale and the six others managed to escape,” a source explained.
Although they have not yet returned to the community, the escapees have contacted community members to confirm their safety.
The bandits had initially demanded a ransom of N150 million for the release of the traditional ruler.
Earlier on Sunday morning, they called the community again to insist on the payment and even forced the monarch to speak with his people to prove he was still in their custody. During the call, the monarch pleaded with the community to negotiate for his quick release.
However, the intervention of the vigilantes changed the situation, leading to the successful escape of the monarch and the others.
