The recent surge in kidnappings in Ilorin, Kwara State, has led to multiple arrests, with some suspects confessing to being part of a larger group. Here are the key developments:
- Recent Arrests:
- Eight suspected kidnappers were arrested by the Nigerian army in Ilorin, with two kidnap victims rescued on August 18, 2025.
- Three notorious kidnappers disguising themselves as bicycle riders were apprehended by the Ilorin South Local Government Council’s security team in July 2025.
- Local vigilantes also arrested eight suspected kidnappers in Ifelodun Local Government Area in August 2025.
- Yesterday, August 20, 2 kidnappers were caught, one ran away, and one was arrested – a man dressed like a woman with a bag full of biscuits and suit with a lot of cash.
- Today, another kidnapper was arrested in the morning around Aruna Kannike House, Ipata market. She was caught by the community and begged them to let her carry out her operation because she was going to collect her salary. She had 3 different ATM cards and was beaten by the crowd before the police arrived.
- Kidnapper Profiles:
- Some arrested suspects have confessed to receiving large sums of money for each successful kidnapping operation.
- A suspect revealed that his team had abducted numerous children for ritual purposes in exchange for large sums of money.
- Community Response:
- In some cases, community members have taken matters into their own hands, beating suspects before police arrival.
- Residents are advised to report suspicious activities to the authorities instead of taking the law into their own hands.
- Security Measures:
- The Kwara State Government and security agencies are working to address the situation.
- The police have urged residents to provide information to aid investigations.
To prevent further kidnappings, parents and guardians should be vigilant and monitor their children’s activities closely. Youths should be cautious of enticing job offers that seem too good to be true, especially those promising huge payments. Residents should report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or local vigilante group. The Kwara State Government needs to take concrete steps to address the rising tide of insecurity.
