Residents of Awun village in the Oro-Ago district of Kwara State have reportedly raised and paid N60 million in ransom, alongside food items and other supplies, to secure the release of three kidnapped members of the community after four months in captivity.

The victims were abducted when suspected bandits invaded the community.

Following unsuccessful efforts to secure their release through official channels, indigenes of Awun village at home and in the diaspora mobilised resources and contributed funds to meet the kidnappers’ demands.

According to community sources, the abductors also demanded two 50kg bags of rice, a 20-litre container of groundnut oil, a carton of spaghetti, 10kg of semovita, assorted alcoholic beverages, Maggi seasoning and other items, all of which were reportedly delivered alongside the ransom.

The fundraising effort and payment were coordinated through the community’s WhatsApp platform, where updates were shared with members, including those living abroad.

Sources said the three victims, aged between four and 15 years, regained their freedom on Monday after the ransom was fully raised. A pregnant woman who had also been abducted was reportedly released a week earlier, while the minors remained in captivity until Monday.

A community leader, Joseph Ayantunji, commended the collective efforts of Awun residents in securing the victims’ release but described the security situation as deeply troubling.

He said persistent attacks have left residents living in fear and disrupted economic activities in the community.

Ayantunji called on the government and security agencies to strengthen protection for rural communities and intensify efforts to curb kidnapping and banditry across the state. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.