EXCLUSIVE(SAHARA REPORTERS): Kwara Traditional Ruler Freed After 2 Months in Terrorists' Den

In a dramatic turn of events, the traditional ruler of Olohuntele Community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has been released from captivity after spending nearly two months in the hands of suspected terrorists. According to sources close to the matter, the monarch was abducted on April 15, 2025, at about 3pm by a group of terrorists who took him to their hideout. The release of the traditional ruler was confirmed by a family source who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the matter. The source revealed that the monarch was set free on Tuesday evening after his family and supporters met the demands of the kidnappers, which included the payment of a substantial ransom in millions of naira and the provision of a motorcycle. 'He was released yesterday night after the terrorists collected millions of naira and one motorcycle. We thank God that he is alive and has returned home safely, but he is in a distressing condition after spending about two months in captivity,' the source told SaharaReporters. The source further stated that the traditional ruler appeared physically weak and traumatized by the ordeal, having endured harsh conditions while being held by the terrorists. The release of the monarch has brought relief to the residents of Olohuntele Community and surrounding areas, who had lived in fear and uncertainty since his abduction nearly two months ago. In a related development, nine residents of Idi-Iya community near Yaru in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, who were abducted by kidnappers in April, have also regained their freedom after the alleged payment of a substantial ransom. SaharaReporters gathered that the victims were kidnapped on April 23, 2026, and regained their freedom on Tuesday evening after spending several weeks in captivity. A security source confirmed the development to SaharaReporters, revealing that all nine abductees returned alive despite earlier reports and speculations suggesting that two of them might have died while in captivity. 'The nine abductees of Idi-Iya near Yaru, who were kidnapped on April 23, 2026, regained their freedom today after the alleged payment of a substantial ransom,' the source said. 'All were confirmed alive, contrary to earlier speculations that two of the abductees had died in captivity.'