Residents of Bayagan-Ile community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State erupted in celebration on Tuesday following the release of their traditional ruler, Oba Kamilu Salami, from armed bandits.
He regained his freedom from bandits’ captivity after spending 25 days in their hideout, having been abducted from his farm.
Overjoyed residents of the community besieged the monarch’s palace after news of his release broke, gathering in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the ruler after his safe return.
The spokesman of the community, Ayinla Lawal, confirmed the development on Wednesday morning.
The community leader disclosed that the monarch was freed after a substantial sum of money, paid in two installments, was handed over to the bandits.
“I’m happy to inform you that our monarch has been released, on Tuesday night.
“Our elders and members of the community have pleaded that we should not mention the amount, but it was huge. The local government and state government didn’t come to our rescue throughout our ordeal.
“Only members of the community contributed the amount. It was really tough for us in the community, and that was why it took longer time before our monarch was released.
“Above all, we thank Almighty God that he came back alive, and we also thank the media, and members of the community for their support,” the spokesman added.
The monarch’s immediate younger brother, simply identified as Aliyu, who conveyed the ruler to an undisclosed private hospital in Ilorin for medical attention, also confirmed the development.
The community had mandated Aliyu to deliver the ransom to the bandits in their hideout in two installments.
The Head of the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South Senatorial District, Zubair Olaitan, also confirmed the development in a telephone conversation on Wednesday, stating that “he has been reunited with his family since Tuesday.”
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, in Ilorin on Wednesday proved unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
