Kidnappers holding a Kwara State traditional ruler, the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and other victims have demanded a total ransom of ₦450 million for their release.
It was gathered that the abductors are asking for ₦150 million for the release of the monarch and his son, Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, while ₦300 million has been demanded for the release of eight other persons kidnapped in Adanla-Irese, a community on the outskirts of Igbaja.
A family source, who spoke to Punch on Friday on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that the kidnappers made contact with the families of the victims to state their demands.
“The kidnappers contacted the family this afternoon and told us to bring N150 million to secure the release of Kabiesi and his son.
“Since this incident happened, we have not been ourselves. We entered the new year with sorrow and tears. We are calling on the government and security agencies to come to our aid because we don’t know what to do,” the source said.
The ransom demand was also confirmed by the Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair.
“Yes, it is true. The bandits contacted the family this afternoon and demanded N150 million for the release of Kabiesi and his son.
Only two days ago, N300 million was demanded for the release of the Adanla abductees,” he said.
It would be recalled that the traditional ruler and his son were abducted on December 31, 2025, by gunmen suspected to be bandits in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident reportedly occurred around 8:00 pm when the attackers stormed the palace in Aafin Ile-Ere, firing sporadically before forcing their way into the building after breaking down doors.
The attack was said to have thrown the community into panic amid growing concerns over worsening insecurity across Kwara South.
During the invasion, the Olori, Felicia Olaonipekun, was reportedly shot in the arm but was not abducted. She was later taken to a hospital where she received medical attention.
