Confusion has surrounded the reported abduction of an Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) leader, Comrade Bayo Fabiyi, and two other individuals in Oko-Irese, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Sources told Vanguard that Fabiyi, a driver and another associate were allegedly kidnapped while travelling to deliver ransom and other items intended to secure the release of a previously abducted victim. The team was reportedly carrying about ₦30 million, five motorcycles and three bags of rice when they were ambushed by armed men in the area.
Sources familiar with the incident said the ransom mission was organised to facilitate the release of a kidnapping victim who had earlier been abducted in the community. However, it was later alleged that the victim had already been killed by the kidnappers before the ransom team arrived, although those on the mission were reportedly unaware of the development.
The abductors were said to have instructed the team to proceed into a forested area along the Kwara-Kogi border route, where they were allegedly seized at gunpoint.
Sources also claimed that Fabiyi had sought spiritual consultation before embarking on the journey and was reportedly advised against making the trip, but the warning was allegedly disregarded. It was further gathered that the incident was not immediately reported to security agencies.
When contacted, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, said the police command had not received any formal report concerning the alleged kidnapping of an OPC member. He added that the police would investigate the matter once an official complaint is lodged.