Oba Kamilu Salami, the revered Ojibara of Bayagan Ile in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has finally regained his freedom after enduring a harrowing 25-day captivity at the hands of bandits. The traditional ruler, who was abducted from his farm on November 29, was released on Tuesday night, sparking widespread jubilation among residents of his community. Villagers immediately converged on the palace to welcome their monarch and congratulate his family on his safe return.

The monarch's release was confirmed on Wednesday morning by the community's spokesperson, Ayinla Lawal, who disclosed that a substantial ransom was paid to the abductors in two distinct installments. While the exact figure was withheld at the request of community elders, Lawal emphasized its immense size. He lamented the lack of intervention from both the local government and the state government throughout the ordeal, noting that only members of the community contributed to raising the substantial sum, which prolonged the negotiation process.

Recalling the difficult negotiations, Lawal detailed how the bandits initially refused to release the monarch after an earlier payment of N10 million. They subsequently demanded an additional N15 million, which the community strenuously struggled to raise. Alhaji Rafiu Ayinla Lawal, a senior member of the royal family, further corroborated that a ransom was paid after the monarch had spent 15 days with the terrorists, and upon their refusal to release him, a second payment was delivered on Tuesday, leading to his eventual freedom.

The abduction and prolonged detention of Oba Kamilu Salami have cast a spotlight on the worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara State. Family members and the royal family, including Alhaji Rafiu Ayinla Lawal, strongly criticized the Kwara State Government and security agencies for their failure to provide assistance, either by contributing to the ransom or by launching any serious rescue attempts. Residents have expressed feelings of abandonment by authorities amidst a rising tide of kidnapping for ransom cases.

In the wake of his release, the monarch was promptly taken to a private hospital in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Wednesday morning for urgent medical attention, a development confirmed by his immediate younger brother, Aliyu. Doctors advised that his mobile phone be taken from him to ensure adequate rest. Aliyu, who personally delivered the ransom in both installments, recounted his terrifying experience, describing the bandits' location as "very far" and elusive, with them constantly moving around and communicating via the monarch's phone. He admitted to being "seriously afraid" but was encouraged by the community to continue due to his close familial ties to the monarch. Thankfully, he was not detained and the monarch returned alive.

Looking ahead, Lawal expressed confidence that the bandits would not strike again, citing the recruitment of additional vigilantes and hunters to bolster community security. Residents who had fled the area due to fear are now expected to return, signaling a cautious return to normalcy for Bayagan Ile.