Suspected bandits have abducted four members of the same family in Babanla community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday while working on their farmland on the outskirts of the community.

How the attack happened

According to community sources, the armed men stormed the farmland at about 5:00 a.m., firing gunshots into the air before rounding up members of the family.

A source disclosed that five persons were initially seized during the attack, but an elderly man was later released, while four others were taken to an undisclosed location.

A female resident of the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers suddenly surrounded the victims. The elderly man was later freed, but four others were taken away.

As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the abducted victims had not been officially confirmed.

LG chairman reacts

The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hon. Femi Yusuf, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation.

He questioned why residents would go to farm as early as 5:00 a.m. given the prevailing security situation.

He stated that he was aware of the incident and noted that soldiers, police officers, vigilantes and forest guards were already present in the area. He added that if attacks still occur despite their presence, the security agencies should provide answers.

Rising security concerns in Ifelodun LGA

Babanla and surrounding communities in Ifelodun LGA have faced recurring security challenges in recent months, with residents complaining about inadequate security coverage in farm settlements.

The latest incident has heightened concerns among locals, who are urging the state government and security agencies to intensify patrols in rural areas, deploy more personnel to vulnerable communities, strengthen surveillance around farm settlements and secure the release of the abducted victims.

As of press time, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement regarding the abduction.

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Kidnappers holding five road construction workers abducted in Kwara State have demanded a ransom of ₦500 million for their release, relatives of the victims have disclosed.

The workers, including two officials of the Kwara State Ministry of Works, were seized about two weeks ago while working on the Sabaja–Owa-Onire road project in Isin Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking to journalists in Ilorin on Monday, family members of the abducted men accused the state government of failing to provide adequate information or support since the incident occurred. The families were represented by Mr Dare Boyinbogun, who said the kidnappers insisted that negotiations must involve the government directly.

“According to them, discussions will only be held with the government or not at all,” Boyinbogun said.

He recounted that the gunmen attacked the construction site at about 11:40 a.m., whisking away five workers identified as Ademola Afolabi, Abdullahi Lade, Emmanuel Okuwadare Kayode, Fatai Akin, as well as their driver, Yusuf.

Boyinbogun said the abduction has plunged the families into deep distress, leaving them trapped between fear and uncertainty.

“Since that day, our lives have been suspended between hope and despair,” he said. “These men are not criminals. They are professionals and labourers contributing to the development of Kwara State. They left home to work, believing they would return safely.”

He added that the absence of the abducted men has worsened the condition of their families, many of whom rely entirely on them for daily survival.

“Every passing hour increases the pain. Wives, children and elderly parents are suffering. Some homes are already facing hunger, emotional trauma and uncertainty about the future,” he said.

The families appealed to the state government to establish direct communication with them, noting that they had been relying largely on rumours and unverified information circulating on social media.

“We need clear updates. We cannot continue to hear about our loved ones through hearsay,” Boyinbogun said.

They also called on the government to provide welfare assistance and psychological support to affected families.

One of the relatives, Mrs Idayat Lade, wife of one of the abducted workers, disclosed that she lost her unborn baby due to the emotional strain caused by the prolonged ordeal.

The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara State, particularly in rural communities where construction projects and travellers have increasingly become targets of kidnappers.

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Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has revealed how Nigeria’s security agencies relied on precision intelligence and controlled engagement to secure the release of 38 abducted worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.

Speaking on Monday, Onanuga said operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military used real-time tracking technologies to monitor the abductors and pressure them into freeing the captives without harm.

According to him, once the attack was reported, security agencies activated sophisticated systems that traced the movement and communication lines of the bandits, enabling operatives to maintain steady contact and negotiate from a position of tactical advantage.

“DSS and military operatives were deeply involved in the rescue of the 38 worshippers in Eruku,” he said.
“They contacted the bandits and demanded the release of the victims. Our security agencies have systems to track these criminals. They monitored developments in real time, and the bandits complied, fully aware of the consequences of defying government directives.”

Onanuga said the decision to adopt a non-kinetic approach was deliberate, noting that a direct military assault could have endangered the abductees, who are often used as human shields.

“The priority was to ensure that all abductees were reunited with their families safely. A kinetic strike would have risked collateral damage and avoidable casualties,” he added.

He also confirmed that security agencies were still pursuing the perpetrators, while the military will determine the appropriate next steps to ensure the criminals are brought to justice.

The victims were kidnapped from Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Isegun, in Eruku on November 18. DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi subsequently briefed President Bola Tinubu on the incident and other unfolding security concerns across the country on November 21. By November 23, the President announced that all abductees had regained freedom.

Speaking later on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, Onanuga reiterated that coordinated intelligence was key to the operation. He added that the bandits released the captives because they knew the consequences of resisting security directives.

“They know the consequences of not acquiescing. They know they could be pummelled,” he said.

Onanuga stressed that while the victims are now safe, the operation continues, and the security agencies remain on the trail of the kidnappers.

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