The family managed to raise the ₦20 million while simultaneously struggling to pay for the Queen’s emergency surgeries.
A cloud of uncertainty and grief hangs over the Afin-Ile ire community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State as a local traditional ruler remains in the custody of kidnappers, despite his family fulfilling a massive ransom demand.
The nightmare began on the night of December 31, 2025, when unknown gunmen stormed the village in a violent raid. During the assault, the traditional ruler and his son, the prince, were forcibly taken.
The King’s wife was reportedly shot during the struggle, sustaining severe injuries to her arm that have required extensive and costly medical treatment.
A relative of the victims, identified as Richard, reached out to prominent journalist Rufai Oseni to bring national attention to the family’s plight. He described a harrowing negotiation process that has left the family financially and emotionally devastated.
“The kidnappers first demanded ₦150 million,” Richard stated. “Later, they reduced it to ₦100 million, then ₦56 million, including three motorcycles. Eventually, they told the family to bring ₦20 million in cash.”
The family managed to raise the ₦20 million while simultaneously struggling to pay for the Queen’s emergency surgeries. They delivered the cash with the expectation that both the King and the Prince would be returned to safety. However, the kidnappers only released the Prince, opting to hold the elderly monarch while demanding an additional ₦16 million for his freedom.
“As of today, it has been 28 days since their abduction, and we have not seen my uncle,” Richard said. “The family is distressed, financially drained, and deeply worried about his safety. We are pleading for help in bringing public attention to this case so that efforts can be intensified and my uncle can return home safely.”
The incident has sparked outrage and concern across social media, where citizens have voiced their frustrations over the rising tide of insecurity. Reacting to the report, one citizen, Frank Akaba, lamented the state of the nation, describing the current climate as a “dark period” for the country.
The Kwara State case is not an isolated incident of violence reported this month. Similar reports have emerged from other regions, including a distressing account from Yelewata village, which residents described as a “killing field” following recent attacks.
As the 30-day mark of the King’s captivity approaches, the family of the Afin-Ile ire monarch continues to appeal to the state government and security agencies to intervene before the situation takes a more tragic turn.
