Kwara Community Raises N60m Ransom for Abducted Minors

Three minors, aged between four and 15, were abducted from the Awun community in Oro-Ago, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State in February while their father, Olajide Buraimoh, was away. After four months in captivity, the children were released on Monday following the payment of a N60 million ransom raised by community members and indigenes in the diaspora.

The fundraising was coordinated through a WhatsApp platform, where updates on negotiations were shared. In addition to the ransom, the kidnappers demanded food items, including two 50kg bags of rice, 20 litres of groundnut oil, and assorted beer.

A source indicated that the children endured significant hardship during their captivity. A pregnant woman abducted alongside them was released the previous week.

Ismail, a resident, expressed the emotional and financial toll on the community, stating that the situation was dire. Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, stated he was unaware of the incident.