Kidnappers have demanded a total ransom of N450 million for the release of a Kwara traditional ruler, his son, and other abducted residents of Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. A family source of the monarch, who spoke to PUNCH Online on Friday on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the kidnappers made contact earlier in the day. The Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, also confirmed the ransom demands to PUNCH Online. A family source said about eight armed men attacked the palace, shooting sporadically and demanding to see the monarch and his wife. Efforts to get official comments from the Kwara State Police Command on the latest ransom demands were unsuccessful as of press time.

Source: Punch January 02, 2026 16:48 UTC