Kwara: NBAWF condemns abduction of head of Oke-Ero legal dept, urges swift release

The Nigerian Bar Association Women Forum (NBAWF), Kwara State Chapter, while confirming the abduction of the head of Oke-Ero legal department Elizabeth Arinde, Esq, expressed sadness over the spate of the recent insecurity in the state.

A statement jointly signed by Kemisola Afolabi Esq., the Publicity Secretary of the association, and O.K Ajiboye Esq.
Assistant Publicity Secretary expressed heartfelt sympathy to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of Elizabeth Arinde, Esq., who was kidnapped alongside the DPM while on an official assignment from Oke Ero LGA to Ilorin.

“We wish to assure all our members and the public that the NBAWF, Kwara State Chapter, is actively engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders. We are raising our voices alongside other concerned groups and working tirelessly to ensure that every necessary step is taken towards securing the immediate release and safe return of our dear colleague.

“We continue to pray fervently for Elizabeth Arinde, Esq. and all others still in captivity, trusting in God’s divine protection and intervention. We also pray for the continuous safety of all our members across the state and beyond.

The association, however, called on the security agencies to intensify efforts towards rescuing all the abducted victims while urging all members of the public to remain vigilant and supportive in these trying times.

“At this critical moment, we remain united, strong, and resolute. Our prayers, our efforts, and our voices will not relent until our sister and all victims are safely reunited with their families,” the statement added

The Informant247 had earlier reported that Barrister Elizabeth Arinde, the head of the Legal Department at Oke Ero Local Government in Kwara State was reportedly kidnapped.

According to a statement by SMH Kosemani Esq, the Chairman of the NBA, Kwara State Chapter, Elizabeth was abducted alongside the DPM of the Local Government on Friday, April 25, 2025, while traveling from Oke Ero LGA to Ilorin.

The chairman, in his statement, said the victim’s contact number 08060628169 could not be reached and that there was no information as thereabout her so far

“We will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

“Please share this information widely to aid in her rescue and pray for her release alive.

Meanwhile, on 22nd of April, 2025, an armed bandits was reported to have abducted four travellers in Kwara State while they were on their way to Offa from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The incident took place near Obbo-Aiyegunle in the Ekiti Local Government Area, with three children left behind at the scene.

The victims were travelling in a Sienna bus owned by Olumoh Express, a transport company based in Offa, when they were ambushed and forcibly taken into the bush, accompanied by gunfire. Engr Mikhail Ayobami Oyelade, the secretary of the transport company, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust.

He reported that the company was alerted to the abandoned vehicle by other transport operators around 4 PM on Saturday.

Oyelade stated he had just returned from filing a report at the Osi police station. Local vigilantes are now engaged in search efforts to locate both the kidnappers and the abducted travellers.

The bus initially departed with five passengers; however, the oldest child left behind indicated that two additional passengers joined them during their journey.

The assailants shot two tires of the vehicle before rounding up the victims, including the bus driver, and taking them into the bush, while the three children—aged between two and 12—were left unharmed and later reunited with their family.

SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the spokesperson for the state police command, confirmed that approximately eight armed men executed the attack.

She noted that the police are ramping up their efforts through discreet investigations, intelligence gathering, and intensified searches in the bush to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the remaining victims.

Police Commissioner Adekimi Ojo has reassured the public of the command’s commitment to community safety and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward and report through established channels.