Bandits Kidnap Nigerian Monarch's Wife; ₦20 Million Ransom Demanded for Another Abductee

The wife of the Baale of Dabu, identified as Iya Ayoka, has been kidnapped in Kwara State, Nigeria, sparking renewed fears over escalating insecurity. The incident occurred Friday night in Dabu, Ifelodun Local Government Area. The Kwara South Development Forum (KSDF) is demanding the government secure her release without ransom, stating, "We are not ready to pay a dime. The government needs to bring her back to us."

Adding to the crisis, Fasilat Babatunde, a 23-year-old woman, remains in captivity after being abducted from the Wande community on July 15. Her abductors are demanding ₦20 million and have reportedly used her TikTok account to communicate with her family. Babatunde's father was shot and seriously injured when he tried to resist the attackers.

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We are not ready to pay a dime. The government needs to bring her back to us.

The KSDF highlighted that the security situation has forced residents to abandon their homes and shut down markets and villages. "We have used all our money to pay ransom, so we are tired," the group stated. Despite assurances from local authorities, the forum alleges a lack of adequate response to repeated complaints about insecurity, with fresh attacks continuing and communities living in fear.

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We have used all our money to pay ransom, so we are tired.