The abducted monarch of Bayagan community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan, has reportedly regained his freedom after a violent clash between local vigilantes and armed bandits.
According to community sources, the dramatic escape occurred on Sunday evening during a coordinated vigilante raid deep within the forest where the monarch and several other captives were being held.
The operation escalated into a heavy gunfight around the Eku Idaji axis near Igbaja, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their victims as they fled.
A community insider confirmed that although the Ojibara and six other escapees have not yet returned home, they were able to contact the community to announce their successful escape.
The bandits had earlier demanded N150 million in ransom and, in a tense phone call Sunday morning, allowed the monarch to speak to his people.
He pleaded for negotiations and described a grueling five-hour motorcycle journey through dense forest before reaching the kidnappers’ camp. He also revealed that several residents from neighbouring communities had been abducted in recent days.
The monarch was seized on Saturday at about 9:30 a.m. when armed men invaded his farm, firing sporadically before taking him away.
Though he remains en route to safety, relief and anticipation now ripple through Bayagan as residents await his return.
