Abducted Kwara Monarch’s family cries out for help

Family of abducted traditional ruler of Bayangan-Ile community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Sunday, cried out to the state government to ensure the safe release of the monarch from the kidnappers’ den.

However, reacting to the request of the community, the state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, told DAILY POST in a phone chat in Ilorin on Sunday evening that, “all efforts by the police command to make the community disclose the phone number used in communicating with the armed bandits to demand for ransom proved abortive.

He said “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 of the Bayagan-Ile Royal Family in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, in a statement on Sunday, on behalf of the family, expressed deep concern over the unfortunate kidnap of the monarch, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile.

According to his account, the monarch was abducted by armed bandits on 29 November 2025, and since the incident occurred, the entire community has been thrown into fear, tension, and emotional distress.

He claimed that “despite numerous efforts made by the Royal Family and the Bayagan-Ile community to gather information and support ongoing investigations, the Nigeria Police Force has not made any official declaration, update, or public statement concerning the incident.

“This silence has further heightened the anxiety of our people, who remain deeply worried about the safety and wellbeing of our monarch.

“It is important to state that, up to this moment, only the Royal Family and the Bayagan-Ile community have been actively running around and making all possible efforts to ensure the safe return of our monarch from the hands of the bandits.

“We, therefore, humbly and passionately appeal to the Kwara State Government to come to our aid. 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.

“The Royal Family and the entire Bayagan-Ile community are earnestly pleading with the appropriate security agencies and the Kwara State Government to intensify efforts, provide timely updates, and take decisive action towards securing the safe release of our monarch.

“We remain hopeful that with swift intervention and coordinated action, this painful situation will be urgently resolved,” the spokesman added.