Kwara OPC leader and two others kidnapped during ransom delivery

The Kwara State Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, Bayo Fabiyi, and two others were kidnapped while trying to deliver ransom for a kidnap victim in Oko-Irese, Irepodun Local Government Area. This information was gathered on Tuesday from PUNCH Metro.

The kidnapping happened on Sunday and has raised worries in the community. There are reports that the victim, whose release was being discussed, might have been killed before the ransom team got to the meeting spot.

Sources close to the situation told PUNCH Metro that Fabiyi, a driver, and another person went on this mission after the suspected kidnappers demanded N30 million, five motorcycles, and three bags of rice for the victim's release. But this claim has not been confirmed by our reporter.

According to these sources, the three men were sent to a forest area near the Kwara-Kogi border, where the ransom exchange was supposed to happen.

"They were acting on instructions from the kidnappers. The team took about N30 million, five motorcycles, and three bags of rice because that was what was asked for the victim's release," a source said, asking to remain anonymous.

Sadly, things took a terrible turn when the ransom deliverers were ambushed and kidnapped as soon as they arrived.

"Instead of letting the victim go, the kidnappers took the people who came to deliver the ransom. Since then, nobody has heard from them," the source added.

There are also reports suggesting that the victim in the negotiation had already been killed before the ransom team set out.

"What we heard later was that the victim had been killed before the ransom was delivered. Sadly, those who went on the mission did not know about this," the source said.

It was also revealed that Fabiyi sought spiritual advice before going on the mission and was advised not to go.

Sources further stated that the incident was not reported to security agencies right away, which left room for doubt about when official help would arrive.

When contacted on Monday, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said the command had not received any official report about the alleged kidnapping.

"I am not aware of the incident because it has not been reported to the police. Once a report is made, we will investigate and take appropriate action," Ojo said.

Fabiyi's kidnapping comes just five weeks after he expressed worries over rising insecurity in Kwara South. He called for better collaboration between security agencies and local security groups.

Speaking on May 16, the OPC leader talked about the increasing cases of kidnapping and violent crimes in rural areas. He argued that local groups like the OPC have important knowledge and intelligence about forest routes that could help security efforts.

"We understand the forests, the routes, and the patterns. If properly engaged, we can provide intelligence, local surveillance, and quick responses within communities," he said.

Fabiyi linked the security problems in the area to the weakening of traditional institutions, poor community intelligence gathering, and not fully including local security organizations in the efforts to protect rural communities.