Nine Kwara Villagers ∆bducted In 2025 Finally Fr£ed After N40Million Rans0m Payment
Nine Kwara Villagers Abducted In 2025 Finally Freed After N40Million Ransom Payment
Released on Thursday night after months in captivity, according to a community source who confirmed the development.
Nine residents of Adanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State who were abducted by bandits late 2025 have regained their freedom after the payment of more than N40 million ransom.
The victims were released on Thursday night after months in captivity, according to a community source who confirmed the development.
The abductees were kidnapped on December 26, 2025, when heavily armed terrorists stormed the palace of the community’s traditional ruler, Oba Olarinoye, in Adanla, shooting sporadically and whisking away several residents.
The incident had thrown the community into panic as families of the victims struggled to raise funds demanded by the kidnappers.
A source in the community told SaharaReporters that the victims were eventually freed after the community paid over N40 million ransom to the bandits.
However, the terrorists reportedly demanded an additional payment before releasing them.
“Adanla 9 have all regained their freedom. To God be the glory,” the source said.
The abduction had earlier stirred outrage among residents who accused security agencies and authorities of abandoning the community while families were forced to negotiate with the kidnappers.
Kwara State, particularly rural communities in Kwara south, has in recent months witnessed a rise in banditry and kidnapping, with residents repeatedly calling for stronger security presence to curb the attacks.
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that residents of the community had accused security operatives and the state government of neglecting the nine abductees.
The nine villagers were kidnapped on December 26, 2025, when armed bandits stormed the palace of the community’s monarch, Oba Olarinoye.
The attackers had reportedly targeted the monarch and his wife (queen consort) but, finding them absent at the time, abducted nine residents who were present at the palace instead.
The monarch was said to have travelled to Igbaja town for an event when the attack occurred. The victims were allegedly taken into the surrounding forest by the bandits.
