Ilorin, Kwara State — Residents of Awun village in the Oro-Ago district of Kwara State have collectively paid N60 million in ransom to secure the release of three community members abducted by suspected bandits four months ago.
The victims, whose ages ranged between four and 15 years, were kidnapped during an invasion of the community. According to sources close to the village, prolonged efforts to secure government intervention proved unsuccessful, prompting indigenes both at home and in the diaspora to levy themselves and raise the substantial sum.
In addition to the N60 million cash payment, the kidnappers demanded and received various food items, including two bags of 50kg rice, one 20-litre container of groundnut oil, a carton of spaghetti, 10kg of semovita, assorted beer, Maggi seasoning, and other provisions.
The ransom payment and fulfilment of the bandits’ demands were announced via the community’s WhatsApp platform. The three victims were released on Monday after enduring significant hardship. A pregnant woman among them was freed last week, while the two minors remained in captivity until the full terms were met.
Mr. Joseph Ayantunji, a community leader, commended the collective effort of Awun villagers in securing the release of their loved ones. However, he expressed deep concern over the lingering impact of the incident.
“We cannot sleep with our two eyes closed again,” Ayantunji said, noting that the economic activities of the town have been severely disrupted since the abduction.
He urged the government to take decisive action to restore security and bring relief to rural communities across the state.
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