The Kwara State Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Bayo Fabiyi, has been abducted alongside two companions while allegedly en route to deliver ransom for the release of a kidnapped victim in Oko-Irese, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident, said to have happened on Sunday, has heightened tension in the area amid reports that the original victim may have been killed before the ransom bearers arrived at the agreed location.
Sources familiar with the situation said Fabiyi, a driver and another associate were part of a team sent to deliver N30m, five motorcycles and three bags of rice, reportedly demanded by the abductors as conditions for the victim’s release.
The group was allegedly directed to a forest corridor along the Kwara–Kogi border, where the exchange was expected to take place.
However, the mission reportedly collapsed when the delegation was allegedly ambushed upon arrival, resulting in their own abduction instead of the anticipated release.
One source said communication with the team ceased immediately after they reached the suspected hideout of the kidnappers.
There were also claims that the victim whose freedom was being negotiated may have been killed before the ransom mission commenced, a detail said to have been unknown to those sent on the errand.
Another account suggested that Fabiyi had consulted spiritual advisers prior to the journey and was cautioned against participating in the operation.
As of press time, the incident had yet to be formally reported to security agencies, leaving uncertainty over official response efforts.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed it had not received any official complaint regarding the abduction.
The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, said investigations would begin once a report is lodged.
Fabiyi had recently drawn attention to rising insecurity in Kwara South, calling for improved cooperation between local security networks and formal security formations, particularly in rural communities affected by banditry and kidnappings.
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