Suspected bandits have abducted the first wife of the Baale of Dabu in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, while kidnappers are demanding ₦20 million for the release of a 23-year-old woman abducted from a nearby community.
The latest victim, identified as Iya Ayoka, was reportedly kidnapped in Dabu on Friday night, according to the Kwara South Development Forum (KSDF).
In a statement issued on Sunday, the group urged the Federal Government, the Kwara State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue Ayoka and other residents still held by kidnappers.
“We are not ready to pay a dime. The government needs to bring her back to us,” the group said.
KSDF also raised concerns over the continued captivity of Fasilat Babatunde, a 23-year-old woman abducted from Wande community in Ifelodun LGA on 15 July.
According to the group, armed men invaded Babatunde’s residence and took her away after her father was shot while attempting to resist the attackers.
The kidnappers have reportedly demanded ₦20 million for her release.
KSDF said the abductors had gained access to Babatunde’s TikTok account and had been using it to make calls and publish posts while communicating with her family over the ransom.
Her father was hospitalised after sustaining a gunshot injury and is still receiving treatment, the group said.
KSDF said repeated attacks and kidnappings had forced some residents to leave their communities, while some markets and villages had been shut down.
The group said residents had spent substantial amounts on ransom payments and were no longer able to cope with the financial burden.
It also alleged that security concerns had persisted despite assurances from local authorities.
The allegations against the Ifelodun Local Government authorities could not be independently verified.
The latest abduction comes as the Nigerian Army expands its presence in Kwara State following concerns over kidnapping and banditry.
Five additional army battalions were recently approved for the state, with troops deployed to Omu-Aran and plans underway to establish another formation in Patigi.
The new battalion in Omu-Aran has commenced operations. The Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Nicolas Rume, urged residents to cooperate with the military and provide information that could support efforts to tackle criminal groups.
The fresh abduction in Ifelodun highlights the security difficulties still facing rural communities in Kwara South.
KSDF called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Federal Government and security agencies to secure the release of Ayoka, Babatunde and other captives.
The group also urged authorities to strengthen security operations in farming and trading communities across the region.
