N30 million ransom demanded for two abducted women in Kwara

Kidnappers responsible for the abduction of three women in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have demanded a ransom of N30 million for the release of two of the victims.

The three women were reportedly abducted in the early hours of Sunday by suspected armed herdsmen. While one of the women managed to escape, the remaining two are believed to be held in the forest near Igbaja, Oke-Ode, and Babanla within the local government area.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Femi Yusuf, confirmed that the kidnappers had contacted the victims’ families, demanding N30 million for their release. He also mentioned that local security forces were working to locate and rescue the women, with assistance from both the state and local governments.

“The families of the victims informed me that the kidnappers are asking for N30 million to secure their release. Right now, soldiers, police officers, and vigilantes are combing the forest in search of the two women and the kidnappers,” Yusuf said.

Tragedy struck during the search effort when Chief Lukman Balogun, the Jagun of Igbaja land and leader of the local vigilante group, was killed in a confrontation with the kidnappers. His death has dealt a significant blow to the community, according to Yusuf, who is also related to the late chief.

“We are still mourning the loss of Chief Balogun, my uncle. Despite this, we will continue working with the state government and security forces to capture the kidnappers and ensure the safety of our people,” Yusuf added.

Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, Coordinator of the Kwara South Elders Security Forum, confirmed that Chief Balogun was killed by a bullet during a firefight between vigilantes and the kidnappers. The incident prompted protests from Igbaja community youths, who demonstrated in anger over the chief’s death, describing him as a well-respected figure in the community.

The Kwara State Police Command also confirmed the abduction of the three women on Sunday, as well as the killing of Chief Balogun on Monday evening. The Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, stated that the chief’s death sparked a protest, with youths blocking roads in Igbaja in a demonstration of grief and frustration.

“One Mohamadu reported to the Igbaja Police Station that three women were abducted in the community on Sunday, September 29, 2024. The vigilantes attempted a rescue operation, but Chief Balogun was killed during an exchange of gunfire with the kidnappers. One of the abducted women managed to escape, leaving two victims still in captivity,” Ejire-Adeyemi explained.

She added that normalcy had since returned to the area, with security personnel—including the police, army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps—mobilized to comb the forest and rescue the remaining women, as well as apprehend the kidnappers.