JUST IN: Bandits demand ₦450m ransom for Kwara monarch, others

Bandits have demanded a complete ransom of ₦450 million for the discharge of a conventional ruler in Kwara State, his son and different residents kidnapped in Ifelodun native authorities space of the state.

The abductors are demanding ₦150 million for the discharge of the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and his son, Olaolu, a serving member of the Nationwide Youth Service Corps.

They’re additionally asking for ₦300 million to free eight residents kidnapped from Adanla-Irese, a suburb of Igbaja, in the identical native authorities space.

A household supply of the monarch, who spoke on situation of anonymity, stated the abductors made contact earlier on Friday.

“The abductors contacted the household this afternoon and advised us to carry ₦150 million to safe the discharge of Kabiyesi and his son,” the supply stated.

He added that the household had been traumatised for the reason that abduction, which occurred on New 12 months’s Eve.

“Since this incident occurred, we now have not been ourselves; we entered the brand new 12 months with sorrow and tears, and we’re calling on the federal government and safety businesses to come back to our help,” he stated.

Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Neighborhood Safety Watch Community, additionally confirmed the ransom calls for.

“Sure, it’s true; the bandits contacted the household this afternoon and demanded ₦150 million for the discharge of Kabiyesi and his son, whereas ₦300 million was demanded for the Adanla abductees two days in the past,” he stated.

The monarch and his son have been kidnapped on December 31, 2025, after gunmen stormed Aafin group within the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun LGA at about 8pm.

Through the assault, the monarch’s spouse, Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot within the arm and later rushed to hospital for therapy..

The kidnapping got here days after suspected bandits invaded Adanla group on December 26, 2025, abducting eight residents throughout a raid that lasted a number of minutes.

Residents stated the gunmen stormed the realm in massive numbers round 7pm, firing sporadically and forcing residents into submission.

The dual abductions have heightened fears over worsening insecurity in Ifelodun, Isin, Edu and different components of Kwara South.