The Ojibara of Bayagan, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, was abducted on Saturday morning by armed bandits who stormed his farm in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. when the attackers, wielding AK-47 rifles, seized the traditional ruler and fled on a motorcycle. His abandoned bike was later discovered by fellow farmers, triggering alarm and a community-wide search.
A resident, who witnessed the abduction from a nearby guinea corn farm, said the gunmen forced the monarch onto a motorcycle before speeding off in an unknown direction. As of press time, the kidnappers have made no contact with the family or the community, heightening tension across Bayagan.
“We are living in fear. Nobody knows what will happen next,” a family source said.
Kwara Police spokesperson, Ejire Adeyemi, said she had not been briefed on the incident but promised to contact the divisional police officer for updates.
The kidnapping adds to growing security worries in the state. In the past two weeks, 38 worshippers were abducted from a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, with three killed. Barely a day after their rescue, at least 20 more residents were kidnapped in nearby Isapa. Those victims remain in captivity.
