An Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) leader, Comrade Bayo Fabiyi, and two other individuals have reportedly been abducted by suspected kidnappers in Oko-Irese, located in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to sources, the victims were travelling to deliver ransom and other requested items intended to secure the freedom of a previously kidnapped person when they were intercepted by armed men.
The team was said to be carrying approximately ₦30 million, five motorcycles, and three bags of rice as part of the negotiated conditions for the victim’s release. However, before reaching their destination, they were reportedly ambushed and taken captive.
Information gathered indicated that the ransom mission was organised in response to an earlier kidnapping incident within the community. Sources further alleged that the original victim had already been killed before the ransom team arrived, although those sent on the mission were unaware of the development.
The kidnappers allegedly instructed the group to proceed into a forest area along the Kwara-Kogi boundary, where the abduction took place.
Reports also claimed that the OPC chieftain received warnings advising him not to undertake the journey, but he proceeded with the mission despite the caution.
The incident was reportedly not immediately reported to security authorities.
Reacting to the development, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, stated that the command had not received any official report regarding the alleged kidnapping at the time of inquiry.
He noted that the police would commence investigations once the matter is formally reported to the authorities.
The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over kidnapping and insecurity in communities located along the Kwara-Kogi axis, where criminal groups have continued to target travellers and residents.
