Kidnappers holding nine residents of Adanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have insisted on a ₦300 million ransom, more than two weeks after the victims were abducted.
Local security officials say there has been no breakthrough in negotiations since the abduction, which occurred on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025.
The Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch for Kwara South Senatorial District, Zubair Olaitan, confirmed on Wednesday that the abductors have remained uncompromising, warning that the captives will not be released unless the full ransom is paid.
According to community sources, the armed men have contacted local leaders on three separate occasions, repeating the same demand and rejecting any attempt to negotiate a reduction.
The abduction followed a failed attempt by the attackers to kidnap the traditional ruler of Adanla, King David Olarinoye, and his wife. The monarch was said to be out of town in Igbaja for an official engagement when the bandits stormed the community.
After missing their primary target, the gunmen reportedly turned on other residents, seizing seven people from the king’s palace. Two additional victims were later captured elsewhere in the community as the assailants retreated into the bush.
All nine victims were subsequently marched into a forest location, where they remain in captivity.
The incident has heightened fear across communities in Kwara South, where residents say repeated kidnappings and rising ransom demands are stretching families and local leaders beyond their limits.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official update on rescue efforts, as anxiety continues to grow over the fate of the abducted villagers.
