Vigilantes Launch Fierce Assault on Bandits; Kwara Monarch and Six Others Escape

Ojibara of Bayagan, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, and six captives flee bandits’ forest hideout after coordinated vigilante operation.

Funmi Adewoju SuleoduDecember 1, 20251 Mins read

The abducted monarch of Bayagan community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan, has escaped from the custody of armed bandits along with six other captives, Vanguard reports.

According to credible community sources, the dramatic escape occurred on Sunday evening after local vigilantes launched a coordinated and aggressive offensive deep inside the forest where the victims were held.

“The vigilante team launched an attack on the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a fierce battle around the Eku Idaji area, close to Igbaja,” a source told Vanguard. “Although the Baale and the six others have not yet returned to the community, they contacted us to confirm what happened.”

The bandits had earlier demanded N150 million for the monarch’s release, contacting the community in the early hours of Sunday to reinforce their demand. During the call, the kidnappers allowed the monarch to speak with his people as proof he was alive.

In an emotional message, the Ojibara recounted being transported for over five hours on a motorcycle through dense forest before reaching the kidnappers’ hideout, and appealed to the community to negotiate for the safe release of other victims. He also revealed that several residents from neighbouring communities were kidnapped around the same period.

Alhaji Kamilu Salami was abducted on Saturday around 9:30 a.m., when armed bandits invaded his farm, firing sporadically before whisking him away.

Bayagan, a large and closely-knit community in Ifelodun LGA, has been thrown into relief following news of the monarch’s escape, though residents continue to anxiously await his safe return home.

Author

Funmi Adewoju Suleodu

Olufunmilayo Adewoju Suleodu is a veteran journalist, editor, and publisher with more than three decades of experience in journalism, communications, and public affairs.

She has worked across news media, magazine publishing, communications, development-sector engagements, and digital journalism. She currently publishes SageBits Online and reports on governance, development, business, education, traditional institutions, and public affairs.

She is also an elected officer of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun East Independent Chapel, reflecting her continued engagement with the journalism profession and media development.

Based in Ogun State, she is available for freelance reporting, feature writing, editorial assignments, research, project documentation, and development communications work.

Detailed professional history and references are available upon request.

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Written by

Funmi Adewoju Suleodu

Olufunmilayo Adewoju Suleodu is a veteran journalist, editor, and publisher with more than three decades of experience in journalism, communications, and public affairs. She has worked across news media, magazine publishing, communications, development-sector engagements, and digital journalism. She currently publishes SageBits Online and reports on governance, development, business, education, traditional institutions, and public affairs. She is also an elected officer of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun East Independent Chapel, reflecting her continued engagement with the journalism profession and media development. Based in Ogun State, she is available for freelance reporting, feature writing, editorial assignments, research, project documentation, and development communications work. Detailed professional history and references are available upon request.