Bandits demand food, drinks, N400m for release of 22 captives

Over 22 people are being held captive by bandits in various communities in Kwara South, with the criminals demanding more than N400 million, as well as food and drinks, for their release.

The affected communities include Adanla, Isapa, Isanlu-Isin, and Owa-Onire, areas not covered by military outposts established by the state and federal governments.

According to Vanguard, the bandits have reportedly migrated from areas with a strong security presence, such as Okeode, Babanla, and Eruku, to less protected communities to continue their attacks.

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Currently, nine people remain in captivity in Adanla, including the monarch of Afin in Ile Ere district, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, and his son, Olaolu, who were abducted in December. Nine others kidnapped in Isapa and two from Isanlu-Isin earlier this year are also still held. Additionally, two people abducted in Owa-Onire in December remain with the bandits.

The Olowa of Owa-Onire, Oba AbdulRahman Fabiyi, who was himself kidnapped in 2024 and later released after paying a ransom of N5 million, said efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the two captives from his community.

“I spoke with them yesterday. We have paid N2 million and negotiated down to N800,000 plus a list of food and drinks the bandits demanded,” he told journalists.

The monarch lamented the porosity of the community and pleaded with the state government to establish a police station in Owa-Onire to curb frequent abductions.

“They always operate freely here. Once the ransom or supplies are exhausted, they will abduct again. Security presence is urgently needed,” Oba Fabiyi said.

Oba Olanipekun of Afin recalled his own ordeal in the hands of the bandits, noting the vastness of the forests, multiple escape routes, and long-standing knowledge of the terrain as major challenges for security agents.

Zubair Olaitan, Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch for Kwara South Senatorial District, explained that the region’s forests, hills, caves, and porous borders provide a safe haven for bandits. He added that some locals have reportedly supported the bandits with food, shelter, and intelligence, further complicating security efforts.

Olaitan noted that the lack of effective communication and coordination between security agencies and local communities has hindered the fight against banditry. He said the Kwara State Government and federal agencies have deployed forest guards and launched joint patrols, yielding some successes in neutralizing bandits and arresting suppliers of guns and essentials.

However, no progress has been made regarding the bandits’ demand of N300 million for nine victims abducted in Adanla on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025. The nine victims were originally seized in an attempt to abduct the community king, David Olarinoye, and his wife, who were away at the time.

In Isapa, Akeweje of Isapa land, Chief Idowu Sunday, confirmed that 11 people remain in captivity. The bandits initially demanded N300 million but later reduced their demand to N35 million. Chief Sunday noted that a pregnant woman among the captives was briefly released when she went into labor, highlighting the dire human toll of the kidnappings.