Rita Odafe
Ransom Demands After Women Abduction in Kwara
In a troubling incident, two women have been kidnapped in Igbaja, part of the Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara State, with the abductors asking for a ransom of N30 million for their release.
The alarming event occurred early on Sunday, September 29, 2024, when gunmen took three women hostage; however, one managed to escape.
During a rescue attempt, the vigilante commander and local chief, Chief Lukman Balogun, was tragically killed by the kidnappers. This violent act prompted protests from community members outraged by the loss of their leader.
Femi Yusuf, the Chairman of Ifelodun LG, verified the details to Punch on Thursday and mentioned that the kidnappers contacted the families, insisting on the N30 million payment for the women’s freedom. He assured that search operations were ongoing to locate both the captives and their captors.
“The families informed me that the kidnappers are asking for N30 million before they will release the victims,” Yusuf explained. “Currently, soldiers, police, and local vigilante groups are scouring the forest to find both the women and the kidnappers.”
Yusuf expressed his sorrow over Chief Balogun’s death, stating that it has been a severe loss for the community. “We are in mourning for the late Jagun, my uncle in Igbaja. We will collaborate with the state government and security agencies to track down the kidnappers who have been threatening our community,” he added.
Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, spokesperson for the State Police, confirmed the kidnapping and the circumstances surrounding Balogun’s death.
“A report was made at Igbaja Police Station regarding the abduction of three women on September 29, 2024. It was noted that the vigilante’s rescue mission involved an exchange of gunfire which led to the chief’s death. One of the victims escaped, while two others remain in captivity,” the police representative stated.
“In response, local youth protested by blocking roads, honoring the chief’s positive impact in their lives,” she added.
Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed that the situation has since been de-escalated, with order restored. She mentioned that various security forces, including police and military, have been mobilized to the area for the rescue operation.
