Suspected bandits have hit Kwara State again, snatching the first wife of the Baale of Dabu in Ifelodun Local Government Area, a traditional ruler from Isin, and several other residents, including women and a child. These separate raids, which happened between Friday night and Saturday, have residents in the southern and northern parts of the state raising fresh concerns about the worsening insecurity.
In Dabu community, it was Friday night when the gunmen reportedly stormed the area and took away the Baale's first wife, widely known as Iya Ayoka. This incident comes as worry grows over a surge of kidnappings and other attacks in Kwara South in recent months. The Kwara South Development Forum (KSDF) is calling for Iya Ayoka's immediate return. They're stating that residents can no longer afford to keep coughing up money for ransom.
"We aren't ready to pay a dime. The government needs to bring her back to us," declared the KSDF in a statement signed by its Secretary, Olasehinde Oluwatoba. The forum highlighted Iya Ayoka's support to many in the area during hard times. This support came when markets have closed and nearby villages have become ghost towns. For many, paying ransom has emptied their pockets. It's left them struggling to even afford food.
The KSDF mentioned that some residents who had fled their homes due to earlier insecurity are now returning, only to face more attacks. This has people worried that more communities might be abandoned if security doesn't improve quickly. The forum also pointed fingers at the local government chairman of Ifelodun. They say their appeals for action have fallen on deaf ears despite repeated assurances.
The KSDF accused the state government of trying to hide the severity of the security crisis in Kwara South. They are allegedly discouraging people from publicising the attacks. The violence continues unabated.
The KSDF is also pushing for the release of Babatunde Fasilat, a 23-year-old woman. She has been in captivity since an earlier attack on Wande community. The exact date of the Wande attack is a bit unclear; sources mention July 15 or July 26. During the raid, Fasilat's father was reportedly shot while trying to protect his family.
A source, speaking anonymously, explained that four armed men entered the community. They shot Fasilat's father before going into her room to abduct her. The bullet went straight through his body. The father, who suffered a serious injury, has since faced health challenges. He's desperately trying to secure his daughter's freedom.
The KSDF claims that Fasilat's kidnappers are demanding N20 million for her release. Astonishingly, they are reportedly using her TikTok account to post updates and make ransom calls. This adds a strange, modern twist to the grim situation. The group also alleges that despite reaching out through every available channel for help from the Kwara State Government, there hasn't been 'a single response'.
Separately, on Saturday, armed individuals invaded Igbesi land. This community is in Oke-Onigbin town, Isin Local Government Area. They abducted the traditional ruler of the area. Details surrounding this specific abduction are still emerging.