iDeemlawfulThe Ojibara of Bayagan Ile, Kamilu Salami, who was abducted by bandits 25 days ago, has regained his freedom.
The traditional ruler was kidnapped on November 29, 2025, while working on his farm and returned to his community late on Tuesday evening.
The monarch’s return sparked widespread jubilation, as residents of the community erupted in joy and celebration.
The palace was reportedly filled with excited residents who gathered to welcome their monarch, congratulate him and celebrate his safe return to the palace.
The spokesperson of the community, Ayinla Lawal, confirmed the development in a message sent to Vanguard on Wednesday morning.
Ayinla disclosed that the monarch was freed after a huge sum of money, paid in two installments, was handed over to the bandits.
He further told Vanguard that the entire ransom was raised solely by members of the community.
According to him, ”I’m happy to inform you that our monarch has been released,he was released on Tuesday night.
“Our elders and members of the community have pleaded that we should not mention the amount,so I won’t be able to tell you the amount,but it was huge. The local government and state government didn’t come to our rescue throughout our ordeal.
“Only members of the community contributed the amount,it was really tough for us in the community,and that was why it took longer time before our monarch was released.Above all,we thank Almighty God that he came back alive,and we also thank the media, and members of the community for their support.”
The monarch’s immediate younger brother, identified simply as Aliyu, who conveyed the Ojibara to a private hospital in Ilorin, also confirmed his release on Wednesday morning.
Aliyu said he became fearful at some point while dealing with the bandits because of the risk of being abducted himself.
“Their location is very far, one can’t believe that the place is still part of Kwara state. You can’t even describe or locate the place because they move around the terrain; they don’t stay in a particular point. They used to speak with me on Kabiesi’s phone to inform me where I should meet them.
“I can’t even identify any of them because they’re always on hude.
“At one point, I was seriously afraid, and I told the community that I couldn’t go again, but they told me that I’m the only person that go, being the monarch’s immediate younger brother. So, I was encouraged. Thank Almighty God, I was not detained by the bandits, and our monarch is back alive.”
Attempts to speak directly with the monarch were unsuccessful, as he was said to be resting after his ordeal.
“You can’t talk to Kabiesi until after some days,” Aliyu said, noting that he was staying with him at the hospital.