Lanlege Samuel Adewale, a recent kidnapping victim, has refuted widespread claims suggesting that Islamist extremists were behind the brutal injury that left him without his left hand.
Speaking from his hospital bed following his rescue, Adewale explained that the injury occurred during an escape attempt from the kidnappers’ den—completely unrelated to any religious extremism. “In the course of trying to run, one of the kidnappers came after me with a machete aimed at my neck. I raised my hand to block the attack, and that was how my hand was cut off. It has nothing to do with any Islamist agenda or jihad, as people are claiming online,” he clarified.
Adewale and his brother were abducted on Sunday while riding a motorcycle to Ogbe, in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. He recounted that eight armed men emerged from the bush, seized them, and dragged them through thick forests spanning Kogi and Kwara states.
Their ordeal began with a march through the Oke-Ere/Okoloke forest path, eventually leading them to a hideout in Eruku Forest, located in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. They were later moved to another location in Babanla Forest, Ifelodun LGA, where Adewale’s escape attempt took place.
A security source involved in the rescue operation said the kidnappers were hostile and unyielding in negotiations. “Their captors became furious when Adewale resisted. They beat him severely, causing injuries to his leg and arm, and left him for dead in the bush,” the source revealed.
Adewale was eventually rescued by a combined security team and taken to a hospital for treatment. His brother was also freed during the operation.
Authorities have urged the public to dismiss the viral video linking the incident to religious extremism, emphasizing that there is no evidence supporting such claims. Meanwhile, police and local vigilantes continue combing the forests in search of the fleeing suspects.
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