The traditional ruler of Bayagan-Ile community in Kwara State, Alhaji Rafiu Salami, remains in the custody of his abductors five days after being kidnapped from his farm.
Community sources confirmed on Thursday that contrary to circulating rumours, the monarch has not been rescued. The incident occurred last Saturday in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
Alhaji Rafiu Ayinla, a community spokesperson, stated that he personally spoke with the monarch on Tuesday, who confirmed he was still being held at the same location since his abduction.
“When I spoke with him on Tuesday, he said he had been at the same spot since he was kidnapped. Our priority is negotiating the ransom; we are not discussing any other issue for now,” Ayinla told reporters.
In an official statement, the royal family labelled reports of a rescue by local hunters as “fake and should be disregarded in its entirety.” They appealed to the public and media to verify information directly with them to avoid spreading misinformation.
The community noted that aside from sympathy visits from a local councillor and neighbouring monarchs, no official visit has been received from the police or the state government.
Efforts to secure the traditional ruler’s safe release are ongoing.
Tags:
Kidnapping, Kwara State, Bayagan-Ile, Traditional Ruler, Alhaji Rafiu Salami, Insecurity, Ifelodun LGA
Disclaimer:
This article is based on statements from confirmed community and family sources. CDA News reports on developing situations and does not endorse any negotiations or payments that may be underway.
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