Terrorists abduct OPC chieftain, two others during ransom delivery in Kwara

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

Confusion has trailed the abduction of a chieftain of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Comrade Bayo Fabiyi, alongside two other persons in Oko-Irese, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

It was gathered that Fabiyi was abducted alongside a driver and another associate while reportedly travelling to deliver ransom and other items meant for the release of a previously kidnapped victim.

Sources said the team was conveying about ₦30 million, five motorcycles and three bags of rice when they were ambushed by armed men in the area.

According to information obtained, the ransom delivery was linked to efforts to secure the release of a victim who was earlier abducted in the same community.

A source close to the development said the abducted victim had allegedly been killed by the kidnappers before the ransom team arrived, a development unknown to those sent on the mission.

The abductors were said to have directed the team into a forested area along a route linking Kwara and Kogi states before they were reportedly seized at gunpoint.

It was further gathered that the OPC chieftain had consulted before embarking on the journey, with a spiritual warning allegedly advising him against the trip.

However, the warning was reportedly ignored.

A source said the incident was not initially reported to security agencies.

When contacted, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, said the command was not formally informed of any kidnapping involving an OPC member at the time of inquiry.

He added that police would investigate the matter once a formal report is received.