Nine residents of Adanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, remain in the captivity of armed bandits, even 46 days after a ransom of N40 million was paid.

A relative of some of the abducted victims told journalists on Wednesday that the funds, contributed by community members and well-meaning citizens, had been delivered to the bandits, but the victims have yet to be released.

“The bandits called to inform us that they heard the news report of the victims’ capture and are waiting for security agencies to come to their rescue,” the source said. He also accused some community informants of aiding the bandits by providing intelligence.

The relative appealed to the Kwara State Government and security agencies to intervene urgently and secure the release of the victims.

The nine victims were abducted on December 26, 2025, at the palace of the community monarch, Oba Olarinoye. The bandits, reportedly searching for the monarch and his queen—who were away in Igbaja town at the time—took the victims instead and marched them into the bush.

The community remains anxious as the fate of the abducted individuals is still unknown despite the payment of the hefty ransom. (Vanguard)