Bandits who abducted Funke Ogunrinde, wife of a slain forest guard in Oba-Isin town, Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, have demanded ₦100 million for her release.
The gunmen invaded the ancient town at about 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, throwing residents into confusion and panic during the attack, a forest guard, Mr Raheem Ogunrinde, popularly known as Baba Kafaya, was killed in a gun duel with the assailants.
The incident forced many residents to flee to neighbouring communities for fear of further attacks. Security operatives have since taken over the town, which is now under close surveillance to prevent a recurrence.
A family source told journalists in Ilorin on Thursday that the abductors contacted the family and demanded ₦100 million ransom for Mrs Ogunrinde’s release.
She said: “We were called this morning by the bandits that if we want our mother, Mrs Funke Ogunrinde, alive, we should pay ₦100 million as ransom.
“And we have been moving up and down to get the money. We have also informed the bandits to reduce the money, but they are yet to listen to us.
“We are also grieved over the killing of our father, Mr Raheem Ogunrinde, by the suspected bandits during their invasion of our town on Wednesday. We are arranging for his burial as I am talking to you now.”
In a related development, four persons who were kidnapped along the Omu-Aran–Isanlu-Isin Road on 5 January 2026 regained their freedom on Wednesday afternoon.
A security source confirmed their release, saying: “The released individuals are receiving treatment in various hospitals in Ilorin and Omu-Aran, respectively.
“But in another twist of events, one person was killed and another kidnapped on Tuesday evening on the Correctional Centre Road,” he added.
The source further noted that “residents of Isanlu-Isin and their neighbours are in a panicky mood over the closure of some schools”.
Meanwhile, a suspected bandit disguised as a beggar was arrested on Tuesday evening in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
A security source disclosed, “The suspect was caught disguised as a beggar in Igbaja.”
According to the source, intelligence reports indicated that some bandits fled Baba Sango after realising that their informants, who were posing as beggars while roaming towns and villages in Kwara South, were being tracked.
The source added that bandits operating in Baba Sango and Oro-Ago were relocating to other senatorial districts in disguise to avoid suspicion and arrest.
