Kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N30million for the safe return of two women abducted early Sunday morning in Igbaja, in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
It was gathered that the women were taken by armed assailants, suspected to be herdsmen, during the raid.
However, one managed to escape and has since alerted the authorities and community members.
The two abducted women are feared to have been transported to a forest area around Igbaja, Oke-Ode, raising concerns about their safety and well-being.
PUNCH reports that Femi Yusuf, Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, announced on Thursday that the kidnappers of two women contacted their families, demanding a ransom of N30 million for their release.
Yusuf stated that efforts are underway to search the forest for the victims and their abductors, emphasising that both the state and local governments are committed to securing their freedom.
“The information I received from the families is that the kidnappers are demanding N30million for their release,” Yusuf said.
He said, “Currently, soldiers, police, and local vigilantes are in the forest searching for the victims and possibly the kidnappers.”
Yusuf also expressed his sorrow over the death of Chief Lukman Balogun, the Jagun of Igbaja land, who had been leading the local vigilante team in the search for the kidnapped women.
He noted that the loss of the vigilante commander had significantly impacted the community.
“We are still mourning the late Jagun, who is my uncle in Igbaja. We will do everything in our power, in collaboration with the state government and security agencies, to apprehend the kidnappers who have been terrorising our people,” he added.