Nine residents of Idi-Iya community near Yaru in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have been released after spending several weeks in captivity following their abduction in April.
The victims were kidnapped on April 23, 2026, and regained their freedom on Tuesday evening. Sources indicated that their release came after the alleged payment of a significant ransom. Contrary to earlier rumours that two of the victims had died while in captivity, all nine were confirmed alive upon their return.
Meanwhile, security operatives have arrested four suspects accused of looting homes and stealing livestock from communities abandoned by residents fleeing persistent bandit attacks in parts of Ifelodun Local Government Area.
According to security sources, the suspects were apprehended during an operation in Ekudaji near Agbeku while allegedly loading stolen animals and household items. Recovered items reportedly included goats, sheep, poultry, and other valuables taken from deserted properties.
The suspects were later paraded through Igbaja Market and surrounding streets, where they reportedly admitted to the offences and appealed for forgiveness. They are currently being held at the Igbaja Police Station pending further investigations.
Investigators also revealed that one of the suspects is being linked to a previous attempted kidnapping in Oro Ago and remains under scrutiny.
The arrests come amid growing concerns over insecurity in Ifelodun communities, many of which have witnessed mass displacement due to repeated bandit attacks. Residents and community leaders have welcomed the security operation but called for stronger and sustained security measures to protect vulnerable settlements and enable displaced persons to return safely.
They stressed that without a lasting security presence, abandoned communities could remain easy targets for criminal activities, including theft, looting, and destruction of property.
