Terrorists have demanded a N20 million ransom from the family of a woman who was kidnapped from Omu-Aran, a town in Irepodun Local Government Area, Kwara State. The criminals have threatened to kill the woman if the ransom is not paid within a specified deadline.

An audio recording obtained by SaharaReporters captures a conversation between the kidnappers and the victim’s family. In the recording, one of the terrorists is heard struggling with the Yoruba language as they negotiate with the family. The kidnappers, who appear determined, are demanding the hefty ransom for the woman’s release.

The victim, a trader, was abducted while traveling within Kwara State. Since her capture, her family has been in constant contact with the criminals, trying to negotiate the ransom amount. Despite their efforts, the kidnappers have insisted on the full N20 million.

Family Struggles to Meet Ransom Demand

During the phone exchange, the kidnappers press the family about the funds they have been able to raise. In response, a relative shares that they have managed to gather N2.5 million, but the kidnappers quickly reject this lesser amount. Mocking the family’s financial limitations, one of the terrorists asks if their plea for mercy is supposed to “feed” them.

The conversation becomes increasingly intense as the kidnappers threaten to kill the victim if the full ransom is not received by their deadline. In a desperate attempt to negotiate, the family pleads for the kidnappers to show mercy, but their pleas are met with scorn.

Family Appeals for Urgent Help

In their desperation, the family has appealed to the public for help, explaining that they have already sold much of their personal belongings and property to raise funds. Despite these efforts, they have only managed to gather about N3 million, still far below the demand.

This incident is part of a larger pattern of kidnappings in Kwara State, where both young and elderly residents have been abducted. Families are being forced to part with their assets or go into debt to meet the kidnappers’ demands.

Wave of Kidnappings Across Kwara State

This latest abduction adds to a growing crisis of kidnappings in Kwara State. Recently, two traditional rulers were abducted by armed groups. While one monarch was released after paying a ransom, the other remains in captivity along with his son. The kidnappers have reportedly insisted that they will only negotiate directly with the Kwara State Government.

Additionally, in December 2025, staff members from the Kwara State Ministry of Works were also kidnapped. As of this report, they are still being held by their abductors, and the situation remains unresolved.

Government’s Inaction Draws Criticism

Relatives of the ministry workers and other victims have voiced concerns about the Kwara State Government’s inaction, accusing the state leadership of failing to effectively address the growing security crisis. Despite the mounting number of kidnappings, critics say the government has yet to take meaningful action to prevent further violence or secure the release of victims.

Key Points:

• Abduction Incident: Trader from Omu-Aran kidnapped, with kidnappers demanding N20 million ransom.
• Family’s Efforts: Raised N2.5 million but the kidnappers rejected the amount.
• Ongoing Crisis: Increasing number of kidnappings across Kwara State, with both locals and officials targeted.
• Government Response: Families accuse the state government of neglecting the security crisis.

As the situation develops, both the victim’s family and the people of Kwara State continue to call for immediate intervention from authorities to end the wave of kidnappings and prevent further harm to innocent citizens.