Fulani Kidnappers Kill Pregnant Woman, Ransom Bearer in Oyo

A pregnant woman, her children and a sibling were allegedly seized by suspected Fulani gunmen in Igboho, Oyo State, despite ongoing ransom negotiations.

A pregnant woman and a ransom bearer were killed by suspected Fulani kidnappers in Igboho, Oyo State, prompting a furious reaction from Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho.

The incident occurred in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area, where a pregnant woman, her children and a sibling were allegedly seized during a midnight raid by suspected Fulani gunmen.

The abductors initially demanded N300 million for their release before reducing the ransom to N150 million.

However, despite negotiations, the pregnant woman was allegedly killed alongside an individual who had taken ransom money to facilitate her release, while at least one victim was said to have remained in captivity.

The development triggered a furious reaction from Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho, who accused the kidnappers of unleashing terror on residents of the community and vowed that such acts would no longer be tolerated in his ancestral home.

Addressing Fulani leaders in Igboho, Igboho expressed outrage over the killings and questioned how such an incident could occur in the town. "You can’t be kidnapping in my father’s land and expect me to keep quiet," he said. "I’m an original indigene of Igboho land. "You kidnapped a pregnant woman, and the person who brought the ransom, you killed him and killed the pregnant woman, for what? In Igboho? You people are not even afraid of me in my father’s land?" Consequently, Igboho issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Igboho, demanding the immediate release of the remaining victims. "I give you people two hours to release the woman, her children and her sibling who were kidnapped in the middle of the night," he said. "If I don’t see them within the next two hours, we will meet." Igboho also rejected any possibility of the victims’ family paying the ransom demanded by the abductors, insisting that Fulani residents should collectively shoulder the responsibility of securing the captives’ release. "We don’t have any ransom to pay," he said. "You Fulani should raise that ransom among yourselves and pay because we don’t have such money to pay." The latest incident has further heightened anxiety among residents of Igboho and neighbouring communities, with many awaiting the outcome of the ultimatum amid fears that the already tense situation could deteriorate further if the remaining captives are not freed.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s opposition to negotiating with bandits, insisting that seeking peace deals with criminal groups remains unacceptable in the state. "Those involved in negotiating with the bandits acted independently and did not represent the position of the Zamfara State government," he said. "My administration remains committed to a strategy centred on addressing the root causes of insecurity and engaging our citizens in the fight against banditry." The governor emphasized that his administration is vehemently against negotiating with armed groups terrorizing communities across the state, and that such actions are deemed an offence.

Governor Lawal made the remarks during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, following reports that some individuals recently entered into a truce arrangement with bandits operating in parts of the state.

Oyo State is grappling with a worsening wave of violent crime, with residents raising the alarm over cases of abduction, killings and attacks on rural communities.

The worsening security situation has led to renewed calls for decisive action from security agencies, with many demanding that the government take concrete steps to address the issue of insecurity.

The Oyo State government has come under intense pressure to provide adequate security for residents, following a series of high-profile kidnappings and attacks.

Sunday Igboho has become a vocal advocate for the rights of the Yoruba people, and has repeatedly clashed with security agencies over his methods.

However, his latest ultimatum has sparked concerns that the situation in Oyo State could escalate further, with many calling for calm and restraint.

The Zamfara State government has vowed to remain committed to its hardline stance against negotiating with bandits, and has urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The situation in Oyo State remains dire, with many residents fearful of the ongoing security crisis and its potential consequences.

Oyo State is one of Nigeria’s most populous states, with a population of over 10 million people.

The state is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including the Yoruba, who are a dominant force in the region.

Governor Seyi Makinde has come under pressure to provide adequate security for residents, following a series of high-profile kidnappings and attacks.

The Oyo State government has also been accused of failing to provide adequate security for residents, leading to widespread criticism and calls for accountability.

The situation in Oyo State is a stark reminder of the ongoing security crisis that is gripping Nigeria, and the need for decisive action to address the issue.