Kwara family cries as kidnappers seize father after N5m ransom

A family in Babanla community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has appealed to the state and federal government, security age...

A family in Babanla community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has appealed to the state and federal government, security agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians for help after kidnappers demanded an additional N10 million ransom to release their father, who is still being held captive.

The father was reportedly abducted by the bandits after delivering a N5 million ransom to secure the freedom of his three children, earlier kidnapped in August.

According to findings by Arewa PUNCH, the incident occurred on the night of August 2, 2025, when armed men invaded Babanla community, abducting three siblings, including a nursing mother, and whisking them away into a forest.

One of the victims, Hakeem Qowiyu, who regained his freedom after two months in captivity, narrated his ordeal in an interview with Arewa PUNCH on Tuesday in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Hakeem narrated: “On that day, around 11:00 pm, we were already asleep when they stormed our compound. They took us away, blindfolded us, and forced us to trek for hours before putting us on motorcycles to the Baba Sango forest. We got to their den around 4:00 am.”

The victim said the kidnappers initially demanded N15 million for each of the three abducted siblings but later reduced it to N5 million after negotiations with their father.

“When they saw we couldn’t raise the money, they began to beat us mercilessly. Later, they called my father and agreed to collect N5 million instead. But after the money was paid, they released me and my sister, the nursing mother, but refused to release my father,” he said.

The young man explained further that there were about 15 other victims in the kidnappers’ camp at the time.

“Some of them had been there for months. They told us they were kidnapped from different parts of Kwara and Niger States,” he disclosed.

Hakeem pointed out that the kidnappers held his father back, claiming the ransom was not enough.

“My younger siblings keep asking when Daddy will come home. We just want him back alive,” he lamented.

The victim’s mother, Mrs. Rasheedat Hakeem, who also spoke tearfully to Arewa PUNCH, said the family had sold all their valuables, including farmlands and property, to raise the initial N5 million ransom payment.

“We have nothing left. We sold everything we had to secure our children’s release. Now, they are asking for another N10 million to free my husband. We are completely helpless. We beg the government and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and help us bring him home,” she pleaded.

The distraught woman added that the family has been unable to return to their home since the abduction, out of fear of another attack.

“We have been living in fear. My children are still traumatised, and the hospital bills for their treatment have put us in more debt. We are just ordinary farmers. We don’t know where to turn,” she cried the more.

When contacted, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident just as it also adding that the command was aware of the series of abductions in the axis, adding that the command was working with the military and other security agencies to secure the release of the remaining victims.

“Yes, we are aware of the incident and several others in that axis. The Commissioner of Police has deployed tactical teams in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes, and the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure calm is restored in Babanla and neighbouring communities,” she said.

Ejire-Adeyemi assured residents that the police were intensifying intelligence gathering and joint operations to curb the rising cases of kidnapping in the area.

“We understand the fears of residents, but we want to assure them that the command will not relent in its efforts. The security situation is being closely monitored, and we are working around the clock to ensure all kidnapped victims are rescued safely,” she added.

Meanwhile, Arewa PUNCH gathered that the Babanla axis has recently become notorious for bandits’ attacks and kidnappings.

In recent weeks, troops of the Nigerian Army 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Ilorin, have intensified joint patrols with the police and vigilante groups in parts of Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi Local Government Areas.

According to security personnel, these operations are part of broader efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and curb the activities of bandits terrorising communities in the Kwara–Kogi–Niger corridor.

Pix: Hakeem Qowiyu, his mum Rasheedat Hakeem and grandmother.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).