Credible community sources have confirmed that the
kidnapped traditional ruler of Bayagan community and six other abductees from a
neighbouring village have escaped from their captors after vigilantes stormed
the forest and engaged the bandits in a violent gun battle.
According to the sources, the vigilante team launched
a coordinated offensive deep inside the forest, confronting the armed bandits
around the Eku Idaji axis near Igbaja.
“The vigilante team launched an attack on the bandits
deep in the forests and engaged them in a fierce battle around the Eku Idaji
area,” a source said. “Although the Baale and the six others have not yet
returned home, they have contacted community members to confirm their escape.”
Bandits Had Demanded ?150 Million Ransom
The dramatic turn of events comes after the bandits
demanded ?150 million for the release of the monarch. In the early hours
of Sunday, the abductors contacted the community and allowed Oba Ojibara to
speak, confirming he was in their custody.
The monarch, sounding distressed, urged his people to
negotiate with the bandits, narrating how he was moved on a motorcycle for over
five hours through dense forest before reaching the hideout where the criminals
communicated from.
He also informed the community that several
individuals from a neighbouring village had been abducted during the same
period.
Background of the Abduction
Oba Ojibara, the traditional ruler of Bayagan—a major
community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State—was abducted on
Saturday when bandits armed with AK-47 rifles attacked his farm.
Community members have since been on edge, with local
security groups intensifying search operations.
Police Yet to React
Efforts to obtain a response from the police regarding
the latest development were unsuccessful as of press time.
Comments:
Leave a Reply