Armed bandits who abducted the wife of a forest guard killed during an attack on Oba-Isin community in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State have demanded ₦100 million for her release.
The demand came barely 24 hours after gunmen invaded the ancient town on Wednesday evening, killing the forest guard, Mr. Raheem Ogunrinde, popularly known as Baba Kafaya, during a gun battle.
His wife, Mrs. Funke Ogunrinde, was taken away by the attackers shortly after her husband was shot dead.
A family source, who spoke to journalists in Ilorin on Thursday on condition of anonymity, said the abductors contacted the family and issued the demand.
“The bandits called this morning and said that if we want our mother, Mrs. Funke Ogunrinde, alive, we should pay ₦100 million as ransom,” the source said.
“And we have been moving up and down to raise the money. We have also asked the bandits to reduce the amount, but they are yet to listen to us. We are also grieving the killing of our father, Mr. Raheem Ogunrinde, during their invasion of our town on Wednesday. We are arranging his burial as I speak with you now.”
Residents said the attack happened in the evening when the armed men stormed the community, shooting sporadically and causing panic. Mr. Ogunrinde, who was a local forest guard, reportedly confronted the attackers in an attempt to defend the area.
Forest guards in many rural communities assist security agencies by monitoring forests and reporting suspicious movements. In recent years, forests across parts of the country have been used as hideouts by criminal groups, including kidnappers and bandits.
Witnesses said Mr. Ogunrinde engaged the attackers in a gun duel but was overpowered and killed. His wife was later abducted as the gunmen retreated into the surrounding bush.
The incident has thrown the quiet community into mourning and fear.
Following the attack, security operatives were deployed to Oba-Isin and surrounding areas. The town has since been placed under tight security to prevent further violence.
Police and other security agencies have not yet released an official statement on the ransom demand, but local sources confirmed that patrols have increased in the area.
Many residents fled to neighbouring communities shortly after the attack, fearing another invasion. Some families reportedly spent the night in nearby towns, while others have sought refuge with relatives.
“We are afraid,” a resident said. “After what happened, nobody feels safe. We just want the government and security agencies to protect us.”
Kwara State has in recent years recorded cases of kidnapping and attacks, especially in rural communities close to forested areas. While the state was once considered relatively peaceful compared to some parts of the North-West and North-Central regions, residents say insecurity has become a growing concern.
Bandits and kidnappers often demand large sums of money from families, placing heavy financial and emotional burdens on victims. In many cases, families are forced to sell property, borrow money, or seek community support to meet ransom demands.
For the Ogunrinde family, the tragedy is double. They are mourning the death of Mr. Ogunrinde while also trying to secure the release of his wife.
Community members described the late forest guard as brave and committed to protecting his people. “He died defending his community,” a local elder said. “It is a painful loss.”
As arrangements are being made for his burial, the family is also appealing for help to rescue Mrs. Ogunrinde.
The demand for ₦100 million is considered far beyond what the family can afford. Efforts to negotiate a lower amount are ongoing, according to the family source.
Residents of Oba-Isin have called on the Kwara State Government and security agencies to strengthen security in the area and rescue the abducted woman.
Community leaders say there is a need for more patrols, intelligence gathering, and support for local security volunteers.
As of the time of filing this report, Mrs. Funke Ogunrinde remains in captivity, and the community continues to live in fear.