Kwara: Bandits Demand ₦400m, Food, Drinks to Free 22 Captives

At least 22 persons are currently being held hostage by bandits across several communities in Kwara State, particularly in the southern axis of the state.
Sources disclosed that the kidnappers have issued ransom demands totalling over ₦400 million, alongside food items and drinks, as conditions for the release of the captives. The abductions reportedly occurred in separate incidents, heightening fear among residents and forcing some communities to curtail daily activities.
Families of the victims are said to be under intense pressure as negotiations continue, while local leaders have appealed to security agencies for swift intervention. Residents also accuse the criminals of exploiting forest routes and remote settlements to carry out their operations.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incidents as of the time of filing this report, but community sources say efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of those abducted.