‎Bandits insist on N150m ransom for abducted worshippers in Kwara community ‎

Friday, April 10, 2026: Bandits have reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦150 million for the release of worshippers abducted in a community in Kwara State, intensifying fear and tension in the area.
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‎The victims were kidnapped during a church service in a rural settlement within Ifelodun Local Government Area, a region that has witnessed a rise in bandit attacks in recent months.
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‎Community sources said the gunmen established contact after the abduction and insisted on the hefty ransom, giving residents limited time to respond.
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‎The latest demand marks a shift from earlier reports in similar incidents in the area, where kidnappers had asked for significantly higher sums, sometimes running into hundreds of millions or even billions of naira.
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‎Residents described the situation as dire, noting that the affected families and the largely agrarian community cannot afford such an amount.
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‎Many have appealed to government authorities and security agencies for urgent intervention to secure the victims’ release.
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‎The abduction has also triggered panic in neighbouring communities, with some residents reportedly fleeing their homes for fear of further attacks. Local leaders say the incident underscores growing insecurity across parts of Kwara South, where banditry and kidnappings have become more frequent.
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‎As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from security agencies on efforts to rescue the victims or negotiate their release. However, calls for increased security presence and proactive measures continue to mount as families await news of their loved ones.