Kwara: Oke-Ero legal officer, DPM regain freedom after spending days in kidnappers’ den
The head of Oke-Ero legal department Barrister Elizabeth Arinde and the Director of Personnel Management (DPM), Alhaji Musibau Amuda have regained their freedom following their abduction by gunmen suspected to be bandits along Oke-Ero, Ilodfa axis while travelling to Ilorin after their official assignment to the southern part of the state.
The chairman of Oke-Ero local government Hon. James Abiodun Fadipe confirmed this in an appreciation message after their release.
Although, it wasn’t disclosed if any ransom was paid before they could secure their release, but he extended his gratitude to the state Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman and the leadership of ALGON for their steadfast support.
“We also express our profound thanks to religious leaders, traditional rulers, security operatives, political leaders, party men and women, DPM and LGT forums, and all well-wishers who stood by us in prayer, encouragement, and action.
“May the Almighty God continue to bless you all abundantly. We remain committed to working together for the continued peace, progress, and development of our local government.
“In this moment of joy, we offer prayers for continued protection and success for all. May God grant us peace, unity, and progress as we continue to serve our people.
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.
