Kwara community cries out for monarch’s release 10 days after abduction

By Ayox Ojo

Members of the royal family and Bayagan-Ile Community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have cried out over continued stay of their monarch
Alhaji Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, in bandits’ custody 10 days after he was abducted.

Alhaji Rafiu Ayinla Lawal, said a leader of the community, said in a statement on Sunday that the traditional ruler was abducted ten days ago while on his farm.

According to him, the community has been living in fear and uncertainty since the abduction.

He also lamented that the Police have not visited or make any public statement on the abduction of the monarch since the incident happened.

Lawal said the Royal Family and the Bayagan-Ile community have been left alone by the police and the Kwara government to see how they could secure the release of the monarch from the custody of the bandits.

Alhaji Rafiu Ayinla Lawal said, “As earlier communicated, His Royal Highness was abducted by armed bandits on 29 November 2025, and since the incident occurred, the entire community has been thrown into fear, tension, and emotional distress,” he said.

“Despite numerous efforts by the Royal Family and the Bayagan-Ile community to gather information and support ongoing investigations, the Nigeria Police Force has not made any official declaration, update, or public statement concerning the incident.

“This silence has further heightened the anxiety of our people, who remain deeply worried about the safety and well-being of our monarch,” he said.

“We therefore humbly and passionately appeal to the Kwara State Government to come to our aid. The community alone cannot shoulder this burden, and we desperately need the intervention, support, and strategic involvement of the State Government to complement ongoing efforts,” he pleaded.

“The Royal Family and the entire Bayagan-Ile community are earnestly pleading with the appropriate security agencies and the Kwara State Government to intensify efforts, provide timely updates, and take decisive action towards securing the safe release of our monarch.

“We remain hopeful that with swift intervention and coordinated action, this painful situation will be urgently resolved.”