Nine kidnap victims regain freedom after ransom payment in Kwara

…as security operatives arrest looters in abandoned communities

Nine residents of Idi-Iya community near Yaru in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducted in April by gunmen, have regained their freedom following the alleged payment of a substantial ransom.

The victims were reportedly released on Tuesday evening after spending several weeks in captivity.

A security source confirmed the development to AfrikaEye, saying all the abductees returned alive, contrary to earlier reports that suggested two of them had died while in captivity.

“The nine abductees of Idi-Iya near Yaru, who were kidnapped on April 23, 2026, regained their freedom today after the alleged payment of a substantial ransom,” the source said. “All were confirmed alive, contrary to earlier speculations that two of the abductees had died in captivity.”

The source added that security operatives in Ifelodun Local Government Area also arrested four suspected members of a criminal gang accused of looting livestock and property from deserted communities.

According to the source, the suspects were apprehended at dawn on Monday in Ekudaji, a community near Agbeku, while allegedly loading stolen livestock and household items from abandoned homes.

“Preliminary findings indicate they had been systematically looting animals and property from deserted villages across the local government area,” the source said.

Items reportedly recovered included goats, sheep, poultry and household belongings taken from communities that had been deserted due to repeated bandit attacks.

The suspects were later paraded at Igbaja Market and along major streets in the town on Tuesday, where they allegedly confessed to the crimes and appealed for leniency.

“The four members of the gang were paraded at Igbaja Market and through the main street earlier today. They allegedly confessed to the crimes and pleaded for forgiveness,” the source added.

Security sources also said one of the suspects is being investigated over alleged involvement in a foiled kidnapping operation in Oro-Ago.

“One of those arrested is also allegedly linked to a failed kidnapping attempt in Oro-Ago and remains under police investigation,” the source said.

The suspects are currently being held at the Igbaja Police Station as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, the incident has highlighted the growing vulnerability of communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where repeated attacks have forced residents to abandon their homes and farmlands.

The resulting displacement has created opportunities for criminal groups to loot livestock and property from deserted settlements.

Local stakeholders commended the swift response of security operatives, describing the arrests as a step toward restoring confidence among displaced residents.

They, however, called for sustained security presence in affected communities, warning that abandoned villages remain highly exposed to organised theft and criminal exploitation.

They also urged authorities to strengthen surveillance in rural areas to prevent further attacks and support the safe return of displaced families.