Suspected armed bandits have demanded a N500 million ransom for the release of five Kwara State road construction workers abducted about two weeks ago in Kwara State.
The construction workers were kidnapped on December 15, 2025, in broad daylight at a state government road construction site along the Sabaja/Owa-Onire Road in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Speaking to journalists in Ilorin, families of the abducted victims, led by Mr. Dare Boyinbogun, who accused the state government of neglect, said the kidnappers had contacted the families and demanded N500 million for the victims’ release.
According to him, the bandits have, however, rejected further negotiations with the families and the host community, insisting that discussions must be conducted strictly with the government or not at all.
Dare said all attempts by the families and community members to get the state government, through the Ministry of Works, to intervene with the abductors had failed, noting that “the government seems not to be serious about it; hence this our press conference”.
He recalled that the suspected bandits invaded the construction site at about 11:40 a.m. on the said date and abducted five innocent workers: Ademola Afolabi, Abdullahi Lade, Emmanuel Okuwadare Kayode, Fatai Akin, and a driver, Yusuf.
“Since that moment, our lives have been suspended between hope and despair,” Boyinbogun stated.
He said, “These men were not criminals. They were not adventurers. They were professionals and labourers contributing to the development of the country and Kwara State.”
“They went to work that morning believing they would return home safely. Instead, their families have been thrown into anguish and despair.”
He acknowledged the efforts of the police and other security agencies, saying: “We appreciate every step taken. But we must state clearly and urgently: time is not on our side.
“Every passing hour deepens the trauma of the families, especially the wives, children and elderly parents who depend entirely on these men for survival.
“Many of these families have no other source of income. Beyond the fear for their lives, there is now hunger, psychological distress and total uncertainty,” he reeled.
Consequently, the distressed families, including wives and children of the victims, appealed to the state government and relevant security agencies to “please intensify rescue efforts and treat this abduction as top-priority emergency until every victim is safely returned.
“We urge government to establish direct communication with the affected families, so we are not left to rely on rumours and social media for information about our loved ones.
“We appeal for immediate support for the families of the abducted workers, including welfare assistance and counselling, as many households are already in distress.
“We ask for stronger security presence along construction corridors and rural roads to prevent further attacks on innocent workers and residents,” he added.
To the abductors, the families said: these men are fathers, sons and brothers. Please release them unharmed.”
“To the authorities, we say: do not let these families become forgotten statistics. Let action speak louder than assurances. We will continue to speak until our loved ones return home alive,” they sought.
Speaking on behalf of the wives of the abducted workers, one Idayat Lade (crying) appealed to the bandits for the safety of their husbands.
“Please, let them (bandits) release our husbands to us, we want them alive,” she pleaded with the state government amid tears, revealing that she had recently lost a baby due to the emotional trauma caused by the ongoing ordeal.
In a related development, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has directed the police to apprehend those responsible for attacking women protesters at the Kwara State Government House.
A viral video showed suspected hoodlums assaulting women protesters near the under-construction Government House gate over the weekend.
Reacting in a post on his official X account, Governor AbdulRazaq said he was angered by the footage, stating: “Peaceful protest is a democratic right. Assault on protesters is unacceptable, and that should never have happened.
“The protesters were within their right to express their views. Our principles for the past six years encapsulate decency and respect for democracy, liberty, and order.
“I, therefore, distance myself from the incident as it does not represent our views as a government. I have requested the police to fish out the attackers and bring them to account.”
