Bandits Abduct Kwara Traditional Ruler: A Demand for N150 Million Ransom

Bandits have kidnapped a traditional leader in the Bayagan community, located in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, specifically Ojibara of Bayagan, Oba Kamilu Salami. Reports indicate that the monarch was taken around 9:30 am on Saturday, November 29, 2025, while he was on his farm by a group of bandits armed with AK-47 rifles. Witnesses say the attack occurred suddenly, leaving the community in fear and confusion.

An anonymous source from the community revealed that a farmer from a nearby village saw the abduction. The eyewitness, who was hiding in a guinea corn field, reported seeing the kidnappers force the traditional ruler onto a motorcycle at gunpoint before fleeing in an unknown direction. According to Vanguard, the bandits reached out to the community early Sunday morning, demanding a ransom of N150 million.

The bandits instructed Oba Ojibara to communicate with his community to prove he was in their custody. The report states that the monarch, in his distress, called on the community to negotiate with the bandits for his swift release. He mentioned that they transported him on a motorcycle through dense forests for over five hours before reaching their location, where they were in contact with the community. The monarch also informed his community that an unknown number of individuals were abducted from the neighboring area while he was being taken away.

DSS Summons Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed: Analyzing the Allegations of Incitement

On Friday, November 28, the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly summoned Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, who was the former running mate to the 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, due to his views that are seen as inciting against the Nigerian State, according to a security source. Sources informed security analyst Zagazola Makama that there are increasing worries about the recent public statements made by the founder of Baze University, particularly those related to his claims of a 'constitutional crisis.' 'A few days ago, Baba-Ahmed appeared on national television, accusing the judiciary and the military of permitting the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashmir Shettima. He even suggested that it was President Tinubu's swearing-in that allowed them to call you 'bloody fools,' the source remarked.

'His provocative comments have implications that could escalate national tensions, especially given the delicate nature of Nigeria's current political situation. This is concerning, as similar narratives have led to instability in countries like Guinea-Bissau and others. 'I think the secret police are handling his comments carefully. This is not about politics; rather, the very existence of our nation could be at risk if such rhetoric is allowed to spread. 'The inaction of the judiciary and military in preventing the inauguration of President Tinubu's administration, as he was quoted, raises significant concerns.'

The source clarified that this invitation follows established protocols, especially since his characterization of efforts to enhance national security as a 'joke' could stir public sentiment and undermine trust in state institutions. 'These meetings are not meant to punish; they are preventive, aimed at clarifying intentions, providing context for the remarks, and stopping the rise of narratives that could unintentionally escalate tensions.” The source added.