Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A businessman and an Islamic cleric who were abducted by suspected bandits from Eggi Oyo-Ipo (Eggipo) Community in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom after spending days in captivity. The victims, who were kidnapped during an attack on the community a few days ago, reportedly returned safely on Saturday evening, July 18, 2026, after their abductors had demanded a ransom of N65 million for their release.
The development was confirmed to SaharaReporters on Sunday by the Coordinator of the community, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, who expressed gratitude over the victims' safe return while calling for lasting peace and improved security in the area. According to Oyin-Zubair, the victims quietly made their way back into the community on Saturday evening. "We are relieved and grateful to announce that the two victims kidnapped at Eggipo a few days ago have regained their freedom," he said. "By the grace of Allah, they safely sneaked into the town yesterday evening". He further expressed appreciation to God for preserving the lives of the victims despite the traumatic experience. "We thank Allah for their safe return and we pray for lasting peace and security in Eggipo, Irepodun Local Government Area and Kwara State at large," Oyin-Zubair added.
The businessman and the Islamic cleric were abducted by bandits during an attack on Eggi Oyo-Ipo Community in Irepodun Local Government Area. Following the abduction, the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N65 million before releasing the victims. The abductors had allegedly demanded N50 million for the businessman and N15 million for the Islamic cleric. Sources familiar with the incident told SaharaReporters that the heavily armed assailants stormed the community late on Wednesday night, July 15, 2026, before whisking away the two victims to an unknown destination. According to one of the sources, the kidnappers established contact with members of the community and demanded the ransom. "They have reached out to the community to pay N50 million for the man they shot and N15 million for the Islamic cleric," the source said.
Another source disclosed that the kidnapped businessman operates a business centre in Buari but resides in Eggi Oyo-Ipo. "The man picked runs a business centre at Buari but lives in Eggi Oyo-Ipo. He was traced to Eggi Oyo-Ipo last night and was abducted alongside one Mallam," the source told SaharaReporters. The source further revealed that the matter was officially reported to the Divisional Police Officer in Ajasse-Ipo for immediate action.
However, it remains unclear whether any ransom was paid before the victims regained their freedom. As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the victims' release or provide further details on efforts to apprehend the kidnappers. The incident adds to the growing wave of kidnappings across parts of the country, despite sustained security operations aimed at curbing banditry and other violent crimes.
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