The bandits that abducted the wife of the slain Kwara forest guard in Oba-Isin town, in Isin local government, Mrs Funke Ogunrinde, have demanded N100m ransom.

The ancient town has been under a security watch as security operatives have taken over the entire town to prevent further attacks.

The bandits, on Wednesday night, invaded Oba-Isin town around 7:00 p.m. and threw the town into confusion.

The development, however, led to the death of one of the forest guards, Mr. Raheem Ogunrinde, popularly called Baba Kafaya, in a gun duel with the bandits.

The incident led to the members fleeing to neighbouring communities for fear of further attacks.

However, a family source (names withheld), on Thursday, told journalists in Ilorin that the abductors demanded N100m ransom for the release of the wife of the slain forest guard.

She related that: “We were called this morning by the bandits that if we want our mother, Mrs. Funke Ogunrinde, alive, we should pay N100m as ransom.

“And we have been moving up and down to get the money. We have also informed the bandits to reduce the money, but they have yet to listen to us.

“We are also griefed on the killing of our father Mr. Raheem Ogunrinde, by the suspected bandits during their invasion of our town on Wednesday. We are arranging for his burial as I am talking to you now,” he stated.

In a related development, four people kidnapped along Omu-Aran – Isanlu-Isin road in Kwara State on January 5, 2026, on Wednesday afternoon have regained freedom.

A security source confirmed the release of the abductees, saying: “The released individuals are receiving treatments in various hospitals in Ilorin and Omu-Aran.

“But in another twist of events, one person was killed and another one kidnapped yesterday (Tuesday) evening on the Correctional Centre road,” he added.

He also noted that “residents of Isanlu-Isin and their neighbours are in a panic mood over the closure of some schools.”

In another development, a suspected bandit who disguised himself as a beggar was arrested on Tuesday evening in Igbaja, Ifelodun local government area of the state.

A security source disclosed, “The suspect was caught disguised as a beggar in Igbaja.”

The source added that they received an intelligence report that some bandits had fled Baba Sango after realising that their informants posing as beggars were being tracked as they roamed towns and villages in Kwara South.

It disclosed that bandits in Baba Sango and Oro-Ago were moving to other senatorial districts, disguising themselves to avoid suspicion and arrest. (Guardian)

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