Kidnappers holding a traditional ruler in Kwara State, his son, and several other residents have demanded a combined ransom of ₦450 million for their release, according to family and community security sources.
The abductors are reportedly asking for ₦150 million to free the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and his son, Olaolu, who is currently serving as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). An additional ₦300 million has been demanded for the release of eight other residents kidnapped from Adanla-Irese, a community near Igbaja, all within Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Family Confirms Contact from Kidnappers
A family member of the monarch, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the kidnappers made contact on Friday, days after the royal father and his son were abducted on New Year’s Eve.
“The kidnappers called this afternoon and told us to bring ₦150 million if we want Kabiyesi and his son released,” the source said, adding that the family has been emotionally devastated since the incident.
“We crossed into the new year in tears. We are appealing to the government and security agencies to help us because this demand is far beyond our capacity.”
Community Security Network Corroborates Ransom Demands
The ransom claims were also confirmed by the Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair.
“It is true. The family of the monarch was contacted and ₦150 million was demanded. Only a few days earlier, the same bandits demanded ₦300 million for the eight people abducted in Adanla,” he said.
The abduction of the Oniwo occurred on December 31, 2025, when armed men invaded Aafin community in the Ile-Ire district around 8 p.m. According to a family source, about eight gunmen stormed the monarch’s palace, firing shots and forcing their way inside after residents tried to secure the building.
“They broke doors and shot sporadically. They were asking to see the monarch and his wife,” the source said.
During the attack, the monarch’s wife, Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm and later taken to hospital for treatment. The attackers eventually abducted the monarch and his son after overpowering the local vigilante group, which reportedly had only two members on duty at the time.
Earlier Abduction in Adanla Community
In a related incident, suspected bandits had earlier, on December 26, 2025, raided Adanla community, abducting eight residents around 7 p.m. Witnesses said the gunmen arrived in large numbers, firing indiscriminately as they moved from house to house.
Rising Insecurity in Kwara
The latest kidnappings have heightened anxiety across parts of Kwara State, particularly Ifelodun, Isin, Edu, and other areas of Kwara South, which have seen a rise in abductions in recent months.
In November 2025, another traditional ruler in the same local government area, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, was kidnapped from his farm and held for weeks before regaining freedom after a ransom was reportedly paid.
Police Deny Knowledge of Ransom Demand
Attempts to obtain an official response from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. However, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the command was not aware of any ransom demand.
“We are not aware of any ransom requests. The Commissioner of Police has consistently warned that paying ransom only encourages criminals,” she said, adding that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue abducted victims and dismantle criminal networks.
Meanwhile, residents of the affected communities have renewed calls on both the state and federal governments to urgently reinforce security and ensure the safe return of all abducted persons.
Source: Africa Publicity
