In a disturbing escalation of insecurity in Kwara State, a traditional ruler has been abducted by armed bandits in the Bayagan community of Ifelodun Local Government Area, near Ilorin. The shocking incident occurred in broad daylight, highlighting the increasing boldness of criminal gangs in rural parts of the state and the growing challenges faced by local security agencies in protecting citizens and traditional institutions.
The attack reportedly took place on Saturday morning, November 29, 2025, sending immediate shockwaves across nearby towns and sparking heightened fears among residents. According to reports obtained from Vanguard, the kidnapped ruler, identified locally as Kamilu Salami, the monarch of Bayagan, was seized while tending to his farm, illustrating the audacity of the attackers and the vulnerability of even prominent community figures in remote areas.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the bandits stormed the area around 9:30am, quickly overwhelming the monarch and forcing him into an awaiting vehicle or forested escape route before disappearing from the scene. The suddenness of the abduction was underscored by the discovery of the monarch’s motorcycle abandoned at the farm, a clear indication that the attack was swift and meticulously planned. Villagers described the assailants as heavily armed, moving with a level of confidence that suggested prior knowledge of the terrain and careful planning to avoid detection during and after the operation.
The incident has caused widespread panic and fear among residents, with many farmers reportedly reluctant to return to their fields for fear of similar attacks. Some community members have temporarily relocated their families as a precautionary measure, and the mood in surrounding villages remains tense and uncertain. The absence of any immediate communication from the abductors to the monarch’s family or local leaders has left residents anxious, unsure of his condition or the demands of the criminals involved.
Security operatives, including local vigilantes and police units, have been deployed to comb the area in search of the monarch. However, official details remain limited, and authorities have not yet released a formal statement regarding the ongoing rescue efforts. Residents are calling for swift intervention, emphasizing the need for improved rural security measures and timely action to prevent further attacks against vulnerable community leaders and farmers.
This kidnapping adds to the growing list of targeted attacks and abductions across Nigeria, particularly in forested and rural regions where criminal gangs are increasingly demonstrating bold and organized tactics. Analysts warn that such incidents not only threaten the safety of individuals but also undermine community trust in law enforcement and local governance structures. Traditional rulers, often seen as symbols of stability and leadership, are increasingly becoming targets for ransom or intimidation, a development that has sparked national concern about security in less urbanized areas.
As the search for Kamilu Salami continues, residents of Bayagan and nearby Ilorin communities are urging state and federal authorities to act swiftly. The community emphasizes the urgent need for strategic measures to protect local leaders, safeguard farming activities, and restore a sense of safety and normalcy to areas increasingly under threat from armed criminal groups operating with impunity in rural Nigeria.