Kwara bandits demand N500m ransom for five kidnapped road construction workers, prompting families to appeal for urgent government intervention

Ilorin, Kwara State Suspected bandits have demanded a ransom of N500 million for the release of five road construction workers abducted on December 15, 2025, from a Kwara State Government project along Sabaja/Owa-Onire Road in Isin Local Government Area.

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The victims Ademola Afolabi, Abdullahi Lade, Emmanuel Okuwadare Kayode, Fatai Akin, and their driver Yusuf were seized at around 11:40 am, according to the families, who described the workers as innocent and law-abiding contributors to state development.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, Mr Dare Boyinbogun, representing the families, lamented the emotional and financial strain the abduction has caused.

“Since that moment, our lives have been suspended between hope and despair. They demanded the sum of 500m from us. How are we going to raise that?” he said.

Boyinbogun appealed to the state government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts, urging that the case be treated as a top-priority emergency.

He emphasised the urgent needs of the victims’ families, including psychological support and welfare assistance.

One of the wives, Idayat Lade, revealed that the trauma had already caused her to lose a baby.

“Please let them release our husbands to us. We want them alive,” she pleaded tearfully.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has directed the police to apprehend hoodlums who recently attacked women protesting near the under-construction Government House in Ilorin, stressing that peaceful protest is a democratic right.

A statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the government remains committed to security and has increased the deployment of armed forest guards and personnel to combat kidnappers and terrorists across the state.

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The families continue to urge the bandits to release the workers unharmed while calling for immediate government intervention to secure their safe return.