Kwara OPC Leader Abducted While Delivering Ransom to Secure Kidnap Victim’s Release

A senior member of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) in Kwara State, Comrade Bayo Fabiyi, has reportedly been abducted by suspected bandits while on a mission to deliver ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim in Oko-Irese, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.

According to reports, Fabiyi was travelling with two other individuals, including a driver, when they were intercepted and taken away by armed kidnappers during the operation. The team was said to be conveying ₦30 million, five motorcycles and three bags of rice, items allegedly demanded by the abductors as conditions for releasing an earlier kidnap victim.

Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the mission was undertaken to secure the freedom of a victim believed to be related to a prominent political figure. However, it was later discovered that the abducted person had allegedly been killed before the ransom team arrived, a fact reportedly unknown to those sent to negotiate the release.

The kidnappers were said to have directed the ransom bearers toward a forested area along the Kwara-Kogi axis before ambushing and abducting them. The development has heightened concerns over the growing insecurity and kidnapping-for-ransom activities in parts of Kwara State and neighbouring communities.

An aide to the OPC leader reportedly revealed that Fabiyi had consulted another OPC member for spiritual guidance before embarking on the mission and was allegedly advised against making the trip. Despite the warning, he proceeded with the journey.

Reacting to the incident, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, said the command had not received any formal report concerning the alleged abduction at the time of inquiry. He stated that the police were unaware that any OPC member had gone to deliver ransom and assured that appropriate action would be taken once an official report was lodged.

The incident underscores the dangers associated with private ransom negotiations and the persistent security challenges confronting several communities across Kwara State, where kidnappings and related criminal activities have remained a source of concern for residents and authorities alike.