The Ojibara of Bayagan Ile, Kamilu Salami, who was abducted 25 days ago by bandits, has been released.
The monarch, who was abducted on his farm that fateful Saturday morning, was freed on Tuesday night.
Residents of the community erupted in joy and celebration following the monarch’s release.
The palace was overwhelmed with jubilant residents eager to see their monarch and to congratulate him and his family on their safe return.
Ayinla Lawal, spokesperson of the community, confirmed the release on Wednesday.
Ayinla explained that the monarch was freed after a huge amount of money, paid in two installments, was delivered to the bandits.
He emphasized that only the community managed to raise the amount demanded for the monarch’s release.
“I’m happy to inform you that our monarch has been released. He was released on Tuesday night,” he said.
“Our elders and members of the community have pleaded that we should not mention the amount, so I won’t be able to tell you the amount, but it was huge. The local government and state government didn’t come to our rescue throughout our ordeal.
“Only members of the community contributed the amount. It was really tough for us in the community, and that was why it took a longer time before our monarch was released. Above all, we thank Almighty God that he came back alive, and we also thank the media and members of the community for their support.”
Ayinla, expressing confidence that the bandits won’t strike again, said more vigilantes and hunters have been recruited to safeguard the community.
He also believed these measures would encourage residents who fled to return. The monarch has been taken to Ilorin for urgent medical attention.
The monarch’s immediate younger brother, identified simply as Aliyu, who drove the Ojibara to an undisclosed private hospital in Ilorin, also confirmed the release on Wednesday morning.
Aliyu recounted his fears of meeting the bandits due to the risk of being kidnapped.
“Their location is very far, one can’t believe that the place is still part of Kwara state. You can’t even describe or locate the place because they move around the terrain; they don’t stay in a particular point. They used to speak with me on Kabiesi’s phone to inform me where I should meet them.
“I can’t even identify any of them because they’re always on hude.
“At one point, I was seriously afraid, and I told the community that I couldn’t go again, but they told me that I’m the only person that go, being the monarch’s immediate younger brother. So, I was encouraged. Thank Almighty God, I was not detained by the bandits, and our monarch is back alive.”
Attempts to speak with the monarch were unsuccessful as he was reportedly taking an extended rest.
“You can’t talk to Kabiesi until after some days,” said Aliyu, who was staying with him at the hospital.