Tension is rising across communities in Kwara South Senatorial District as suspected bandits continue to hold no fewer than 22 people hostage, demanding more than ₦400 million, alongside food items and drinks, for their release.
Investigations show that the affected communities include Adanla, Isapa, Isanlu-Isin, and Owa-Onire. These areas reportedly fall outside the reach of existing military and security formations set up by the state and federal governments.
Residents revealed that the bandits recently relocated from Okeode, Babanla, and Eruku. Military bases had earlier been established in those communities. The criminals allegedly moved to nearby settlements with little or no security presence, triggering fresh waves of abductions and widespread fear.
At least nine people remain in captivity, including the monarch of Afin in the Ile Ere District, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, and his son, Olaolu, a youth corps member abducted in December.
Also being held are nine persons kidnapped in Isapa, two victims seized along the Isanlu-Isin highway earlier this year, and two others abducted in Owa-Onire in December.
The Olowa of Owa-Onire, Oba AbdulRahman Fabiyi, who was kidnapped in 2024 and freed after a ₦5 million ransom, confirmed that two residents of his community are still in captivity.
“I spoke with them yesterday. We have paid ₦2 million and negotiated the ransom down to ₦800,000, along with food and drinks they requested, before they can be released,” the monarch said on Friday.
Oba Fabiyi decried the absence of security in Owa-Onire and urged the state government to establish a police station in the community.
“They operate freely here because there is no security presence. Our fear is that after collecting ransom and food, they will return to abduct more people,” he said.
Sharing his own experience, Oba Simeon Olanipekun said the vast forests and numerous escape routes in the area have made security operations difficult.
“The forest is extremely large, with many routes. The bandits know the terrain very well. That is why they warn captives not to try escaping,” he explained.
He added that the thickness of the forests continues to pose serious challenges for security agencies and appealed to the state government for stronger protection for his people.
Speaking on the situation, the Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch for Kwara South, Zubair Olaitan, said efforts to arrest or neutralise the bandits have been hampered by the terrain.
“The vast forests, hills, caves, and porous borders provide safe havens for these criminals,” he said.
Olaitan also alleged that some locals assist the bandits with food, shelter, and intelligence, making tracking difficult. He added that poor communication tools, including the absence of drones, and weak coordination have further slowed security efforts.
Despite these challenges, he said the Kwara State Government, working with federal agencies, has taken steps to improve security.
“Forest guards have been deployed, and joint patrols are ongoing. Some bandits have been neutralised, and suspects arrested for supplying weapons, food, and logistics,” he said.
Olaitan disclosed that there has been no progress on the ₦300 million ransom demanded for the release of nine people abducted in Adanla, Ifelodun Local Government Area, on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025.
“The bandits have contacted community leaders three times. They insist the victims will not be released unless the ₦300 million is paid,” he said.
The victims were kidnapped after the attackers failed in an attempt to abduct the community’s monarch, King David Olarinoye, who was away in Igbaja during the attack.
Isapa Community Struggles With ₦35m Ransom Demand
In Isapa, Ekiti Local Government Area, the Akeweje of Isapa land, Chief Idowu Sunday, said 11 people are currently in captivity, with bandits demanding ₦35 million.
He revealed that a pregnant Hausa woman among the captives was recently taken on a motorcycle to a stream after she went into labour.
“The bandits first demanded ₦300 million, claiming they collected ₦350 million to release those abducted at CAC Oke-Isegun in Eruku,” he said.
After negotiations, the demand dropped to ₦35 million. However, when three community members went to deliver ₦4 million, two of them were seized.
“They called the money a recharge card and captured the two men. That brought the number of captives to 11. One person escaped,” he added.
Chief Sunday appealed to the state government for urgent intervention.
“We know what these bandits are capable of. We do not want them to kill our people. The government should please come to our aid,” he said.
