A senior member of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and two other individuals have reportedly been abducted by suspected terrorists while attempting to deliver ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim in Kwara State.
The incident occurred in Oko-Irese, Irepodun Local Government Area, where the victims were said to be transporting a ransom package that included cash, motorcycles, and food items demanded by the kidnappers. According to local sources, the group was directed to a forest location along the Kwara–Kogi border before being ambushed and taken captive by the armed assailants.
Reports indicate that the abducted OPC leader, Comrade Bayo Fabiyi, was part of the team negotiating for the freedom of an earlier kidnapping victim. However, sources claimed the original victim may have already been killed before the ransom team arrived, although this has not been independently verified. The kidnappers allegedly seized both the ransom items and the three men during the operation.
The development adds to growing concerns over escalating insecurity in parts of Kwara State, particularly in border communities that have witnessed a series of kidnappings and attacks in recent months.
As of the latest reports, the Kwara State Police Command said it had not received an official complaint regarding the abduction but would commence investigations once formally notified.
The fate of the three abducted men remains unknown, while residents have called on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and strengthen surveillance across vulnerable communities in the state.
The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by armed criminal groups operating across Nigeria’s North-Central region, where kidnapping for ransom remains a major security challenge. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
