Kwara traditional ruler freed after days in captivity

The Ojibara of Bayagan Ile, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, who was kidnapped by bandits 25 days ago, has been released.

Very Nigerian gathered that the traditional ruler, who was abducted on his farm on a Saturday morning, regained his freedom on Tuesday night.

The monarch was said to have gone through a difficult period while in captivity. His release has sparked widespread joy in the community, with residents expressing happiness and relief over his safe return.

The palace was reportedly bombarded with jubilant residents,who crowded to catch a glimpse of their monarch,and more importantly congratulate him and the family for safe return to the palace.

Spokesperson of the community, Ayinla Lawal confirmed the development in a message to Very Nigerian Wednesday morning.

Ayinla told Very Nigerian in an interview that the monarch was released after huge amount of money, paid in two installments was paid to the bandits.

He also told Very Nigerian that only the community raked the huge amount demanded by the bandits before the release of the monarch.

According to him,”I’m happy to inform you that our monarch has been released,he was released on Tuesday night.

“Our elders and members of the community have pleaded that we should not mention the amount,so I won’t be able to tell you 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.”

Ayinla who expressed confident that the bandits won’t strike again in the community ,said more Vigilantes and hunters have been recruited to keep vigil on the community.

He also believed that with these developments, residents who fled the community would start returning to the community.

He also said that the monarch,has been brought to Ilorin Wednesday morning for urgent medical attention.

Monarch’s immediate younger brother, simply identified as Aliyu who drove the monarch to an undisclosed private hospital in ilorin also confirmed the development to Very Nigerian Wednesday morning in an interview.

Aliyu who the community sent to pay the ransom on the two installments said he was scared at a point to visit the bandits because of the fear of being kidnapped.

“Their location is very far,one can’t believe that the place is still part of Kwara state,you can’t even describe or locate the place because they move around the terrain,they don’t stay in a particular point.They used to speak with me on Kabiesi’s phone to inform me, where I should meet them.

“I can’t even identify any of them because they’re always on hude.

“At point,I was seriously afraid and I told the community that I couldn’t go again,but they told me that I’m the only person that go, being monarch immediate younger brother,so I was encouraged. Thank Almighty God,I was not detained by the bandits and our monarch is back alive.”

Efforts by Very Nigerian to speak with the monarch was unsuccessful as he was said to be taking a long rest.

“You can’t talk to Kabiesi until after some days”said Aliyu who was staying with the monarch at the hospital in ilorin.

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