Abducted Kwara Monarch Escapes with 6 Others after Vigilante Gun Battle

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File Photo: Some bandits in action

Segun Atanda/

The abducted monarch of Bayagan community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan, has escaped from captivity alongside six other victims.

The escape followed a fierce gun battle between local vigilantes and the armed bandits who had been holding them in a forest hideout.

Reliable community sources said the dramatic development occurred on Sunday evening when vigilante groups launched a coordinated offensive deep inside the forest where the captives were being kept.

A source said the clash took place around the Eku Idaji area near Igbaja, adding that although the monarch and the other escapees had not yet returned home, they had contacted their people to confirm their escape.

“The vigilantes attacked the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a fierce gun battle around the Eku Idaji area, close to Igbaja. Although the Baale and the six others have not returned to the community, they called to confirm what happened,” the source said.

The bandits had earlier demanded a ransom of N150 million for the monarch’s release and contacted the community in the early hours of Sunday to press their demand.

During the call, they allowed the monarch to speak with residents as proof that he was still alive.

In an emotional appeal at the time, the Ojibara pleaded with his community to negotiate for his safe release, explaining that he had been taken on a five hour motorcycle journey through dense forest to the kidnappers’ hideout.

He also revealed that several residents of neighbouring communities were being held by the same gang.

Alhaji Kamilu Salami was abducted at about 9.30am on Saturday when gunmen invaded his farm, fired sporadically and took him away.

Bayagan, one of the largest communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area, has been thrown into cautious relief by news of the escape, as residents continue to await the monarch’s safe return.