Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
About 10 suspected bandits have reportedly kidnapped the traditional ruler of Igbesi town and other residents of the town in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Also, a woman identified as Iya Ayoka, the first wife of the Baale of Dabu community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, has reportedly been kidnapped in the town.
The latest attack on Kwara south senatorial communities happened despite the recent establishment of a Nigerian Army battalion in Omu-Aran town in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.
THISDAY checks revealed that the monarch was said to have been abducted during a fierce attack by the suspected bandits over the weekend in the town.
It was gathered that the monarch and other residents were said to have been taken to an unknown destination, while the suspected bandits were yet to demand any ransom.
Also, the first wife of the monarch of Dabu community popularly called Iya Ayoka was reportedly abducted by suspected bandits.
The abduction of Iya Ayoka, according to THISDAY checks, has further increased fears among residents of Dabu and surrounding communities, particularly amid concerns over the activities of armed groups operating in parts of Kwara South.
Residents have continued to call for urgent intervention by security agencies to prevent further attacks and rescue those already in captivity.
Sources also disclosed to newsmen in Ilorin on Sunday that the bandits were said to be using the TikTok account of another kidnapping victim, a 23-year-old woman identified as Babatunde Fasilat, to make posts while demanding a ransom for her release.
Fasilat was reportedly kidnapped on July 26, 2026, in Wande community.
According to a source familiar with the incident, the bandits invaded the community and abducted Fasilat after her father attempted to defend her.
“Her father was shot and the bullet penetrated the other side of his body.
“The bandits were four. While her father was trying to defend himself, they went to her room and kidnapped her,” the source said.
The source added that the kidnappers have demanded N20 million as ransom before Fasilat could be released.
“Now, they are demanding N20 million before they can release her, and they are using her TikTok account to make a post,” the source said.
The use of the victim’s social media account has raised further concerns among residents, as the kidnappers appear to be using the platform to communicate and put pressure on the victim’s family to meet their ransom demand.
Contacted, some senior police officers in the two local government areas of the state, who spoke with newsmen in Ilorin Sunday on condition of anonymity, confirmed the ugly development.
They said: “We have sent signal to the state police command on the ugly development and the command has swung into action.”