The Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile in Kwara State, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, has regained his freedom after spending 25 harrowing days in the custody of armed bandits. His abduction on November 29, 2025, while working on his farm, sent shockwaves through the community and highlighted the growing insecurity in Nigeria’s rural areas.
The monarch’s kidnapping was a traumatic event for Bayagan-Ile, a community in Ifelodun Local Government Area. Residents were thrown into panic as news spread that their traditional ruler had been taken by heavily armed men. For weeks, the community lived in fear, uncertain of his fate and frustrated by what they described as government inaction.
According to palace sources, the monarch was released late Tuesday night, December 23, 2025, after intense communal efforts. His freedom was reportedly secured through negotiations and ransom payments made in installments. While details remain sketchy, community leaders confirmed that the release was achieved without direct intervention from the Kwara State Government or security agencies.
Upon regaining his freedom, Alhaji Salami was immediately taken for medical care. Palace officials disclosed that he is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed facility and is responding positively. After nearly a month in captivity, his health condition was a major concern, and doctors are monitoring him closely to ensure full recovery.
The release sparked jubilation across Bayagan-Ile. Residents thronged the palace to celebrate the monarch’s return, offering prayers of thanksgiving and expressing relief that their traditional ruler had survived the ordeal. For many, his safe return was not just a personal victory but a communal triumph against adversity.
Community leaders, however, voiced strong criticism of the Kwara State Government. They accused officials of abandoning rural communities to bandits and failing to provide adequate security. According to them, the monarch’s release was achieved solely through local fundraising and negotiation, underscoring the absence of state support.
The incident has reignited debates about Nigeria’s worsening security crisis. Banditry, once concentrated in the northwest, has spread to other regions, including Kwara. Farmers, traditional rulers, and ordinary citizens are increasingly targeted, with communities often left to fend for themselves. The Ojibara’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of rural populations.
Traditional rulers hold symbolic and cultural importance in Nigerian society. Their abduction is seen not only as a personal attack but also as an assault on community identity and heritage. The kidnapping of Alhaji Salami was therefore deeply unsettling, making his release a matter of pride and relief for Bayagan-Ile.
Security analysts argue that the incident highlights the urgent need for stronger intelligence gathering, better coordination among security agencies, and proactive government intervention. Without these measures, communities will continue to rely on self-help strategies, which often involve paying ransoms and negotiating directly with criminals.
Ultimately, the Ojibara’s release after 25 days in captivity is a bittersweet victory. While his freedom brings joy, it also exposes the fragility of Nigeria’s security architecture and the growing reliance on communities to protect themselves. For Bayagan-Ile, the monarch’s return is a moment of celebration, but for Nigeria, it is a sobering reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in the fight against banditry.
