The family of the abducted traditional ruler of the Bayangan-Ile community in Kwara State’s Ifelodun Local Government Area appealed to the state government on Sunday to ensure the safe rescue of the monarch from his kidnappers.
However, in response to the community’s plea, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, informed DAILY POST in a Sunday evening phone conversation that the police command’s attempts to assist have been hampered. He stated that all efforts by the police to get the community to release the phone number used by the armed bandits to demand ransom proved unsuccessful.
According to the Commissioner, “the community refused to release the phone number used in communicating with the community by the bandits, claiming they don’t want police involvement in the matter.”
Alhaji Rafiu Ayinla Lawal, the Spokesman for the Bayagan-Ile Royal Family, issued a statement on Sunday expressing deep concern over the kidnapping of the monarch, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile.
Lawal reported that the traditional ruler was seized by armed bandits on November 29, 2025, an incident that has since caused fear, tension, and emotional distress throughout the community.
The spokesman claimed that despite numerous efforts by the Royal Family and the Bayagan-Ile community to gather information and aid investigations, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued any official declaration, update, or public statement regarding the incident. This silence, he said, has increased the anxiety of the residents regarding the monarch’s safety.
He asserted that, to date, only the Royal Family and the community have been actively striving and making all possible efforts to secure the safe return of the monarch.
The family, therefore, passionately appealed to the Kwara State Government for intervention and assistance. “The community alone cannot shoulder this burden, and we desperately need the intervention, support, and strategic involvement of the State Government to complement ongoing efforts,” Lawal stated.
The Royal Family and the Bayagan-Ile community are urgently requesting that relevant security agencies and the State Government intensify efforts, provide timely updates, and take decisive action to ensure the safe release of their ruler. The spokesman concluded by expressing hope that swift, coordinated action would lead to an urgent resolution of the painful situation.
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