The abducted traditional ruler of Bayagan in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, also known as the Ojibara of Bayagan, has escaped from bandits alongside six other captives.

The development was confirmed on Sunday by credible community sources, who said the victims fled after vigilantes launched a heavy assault on the bandits’ hideout deep inside the forest.

According to one source, the vigilantes “engaged the bandits in a fierce battle around the Eku Idaji axis near Igbaja,” forcing the abductors to lose control of the captives. Although the monarch and other escapees were still making their way back, they reportedly contacted members of the community to confirm their safety.

The bandits had earlier demanded ₦150 million for the monarch’s release. Community members said the abductors spoke with them early Sunday and allowed Oba Ojibara to appeal for urgent intervention, confirming he was held in their custody.

The monarch narrated that he was moved on a motorcycle for over five hours through thick forest paths before reaching the camp where the bandits operated. He also disclosed that several others from a neighbouring community were abducted during his capture.

Alhaji Salami was kidnapped on Saturday after armed bandits invaded his farm with AK-47 rifles.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the police were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.