N60 Million Ransom Paid: Two Minors Freed from Kidnappers' Den in Shocking Ordeal
An Awun community in Kwara State reportedly paid N60 million and extensive food items to secure the release of three abducted family members after four months in captivity. The ransom was raised through local contributions and diaspora support, highlighting severe security challenges in the area. The pregnant woman was freed earlier, followed by two minors after full payment.
Residents of Awun community in the Oro-Ago district of Kwara State have reportedly paid a staggering N60 million to secure the release of three family members who had been abducted approximately four months ago. The substantial ransom was raised through collective contributions from community members residing locally, as well as indigenes living in the diaspora, highlighting a united effort in a time of crisis.
In addition to the N60 million cash payment, the kidnappers demanded and received a significant cache of food items. These included two 50kg bags of rice, a 20-litre container of groundnut oil, a carton of spaghetti, 10kg of semovita, assorted alcoholic drinks, and Maggi seasoning, among other provisions. The appeal for these items and the cash ransom was disseminated and coordinated through the community’s dedicated WhatsApp platform, which served as a crucial communication channel for updates and support mobilization.
The victims, consisting of a pregnant woman and two minors aged between four and 15, were seized from their home in February while their father, Olajide Buraimoh, was away. The pregnant woman was released last week, while the two minor children were freed on Monday, only after the community had completed the full payment of the demanded ransom and provisions. A source close to the community revealed that the victims endured severe hardship during their prolonged captivity, noting the kidnappers' decision to hold onto the children even after releasing the pregnant woman.
The incident has brought to light the dire security situation in Awun. Fijabi Ismail, a resident speaking from Ilorin, expressed profound concern, stating, “Our situation in Awun is pitiable. Only God can save us.” While the news of the children's release brought immense relief, the financial burden placed upon the community has been described as enormous. This harrowing experience underscores the deep challenges faced by communities grappling with insecurity and the extreme measures they are forced to take to protect their loved ones.