The Bayagan-Ile community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has raised fresh alarm over the continued captivity of its traditional ruler, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan-Ile, who was abducted ten days ago.
The monarch was seized by armed bandits on his farm on November 29, and has since remained in the kidnappers’ den deep within the forests surrounding the community.
In a statement issued on Sunday evening, the community’s spokesperson, Alh. Rafiu Ayinla Lawal, lamented the worsening anxiety among residents.
“As earlier communicated, His Royal Highness was abducted by armed bandits on 29 November 2025, and since the incident occurred, the entire community has been thrown into fear, tension, and emotional distress.”
He noted further that,”since the incident occurred, the entire community has been thrown into fear, tension, and emotional distress.”
Lawal faulted the silence of the police authorities, saying no official pronouncement or engagement had been made regarding the abduction.
“Despite numerous efforts made by the Royal Family and the Bayagan-Ile community to gather information and support ongoing investigations, the Nigeria Police Force has not made any official declaration, update, or public statement concerning the incident.
” This silence has further heightened the anxiety of our people, who remain deeply worried about the safety and wellbeing of our monarch.” he said.
The community spokesman added that local efforts alone were no longer sufficient, stressing that government intervention had become crucial.
“It is important to state that, up to this moment, only the Royal Family and the Bayagan-Ile community have been actively running around and making all possible efforts to ensure the safe return of our monarch from the hands of the bandits.
We therefore humbly and passionately appeal to the Kwara State Government to come to our aid.
The community alone cannot shoulder this burden, and we desperately need the intervention, support, and strategic involvement of the State Government to complement ongoing efforts.” he begged.
He continued that,”The Royal Family and the entire Bayagan-Ile community are earnestly pleading with the appropriate security agencies and the Kwara State Government to intensify efforts, provide timely updates, and take decisive action towards securing the safe release of our monarch.
“We remain hopeful that with swift intervention and coordinated action, this painful situation will be urgently resolved.” concluded the statement.
