Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Residents of Awun community in the Oro-Ago district of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have reportedly paid ₦60 million in ransom, along with food items and other supplies, to secure the release of a pregnant woman and two children who were abducted by suspected kidnappers.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped in February from their residence while the head of the family, Olajide Buraimoh, was away from home. Their abduction triggered months of negotiations and fundraising efforts by members of the community determined to secure their freedom.
According to community sources, the ransom was raised through contributions from residents and indigenes living outside the community. Local leaders coordinated the fundraising exercise, with many people donating money to ensure the victims returned home safely after spending several months in captivity.
In addition to the cash payment, the kidnappers reportedly demanded various food items before agreeing to release the victims. The items allegedly included bags of rice, groundnut oil, spaghetti, semovita, assorted alcoholic beverages, seasoning cubes and other provisions.
The pregnant woman was reportedly released first after months in captivity, while the two children remained with the kidnappers until the full ransom and other demands had been met. The children were eventually freed, bringing an end to the family's prolonged ordeal.
Residents described the fundraising effort as one of the most difficult the community has undertaken, saying the financial burden was enormous. Although they expressed relief over the victims' safe return, many lamented the worsening security situation and the increasing threat posed by kidnappers in the area.
Community leaders said repeated attacks have created fear among residents, disrupted farming and other economic activities, and forced many people to live in constant anxiety. They appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen security across vulnerable rural communities and take decisive action against kidnapping gangs operating in the region.
The Kwara State Police Command said it had not received an official report of the incident and could not immediately confirm the alleged ransom payment.
The reported release has once again highlighted the growing challenge of kidnapping for ransom in parts of Nigeria. While the government has consistently discouraged the payment of ransom, many families and communities continue to face difficult decisions when seeking the safe return of loved ones held by armed criminals.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger security operations, improved intelligence gathering and greater protection for rural communities to curb the rising wave of kidnappings and restore public confidence in the country's security architecture.
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