Kwara Police Save Igbesi Monarch and Two Others from Kidnappers

The Kwara State Police have rescued the Onigbesi of Igbesi, Oba Moses Omotayo, along with two other people who were kidnapped. This happened days after the monarch was taken away by gunmen in Igbesi community, located in Isin Local Government Area of the state.

The kidnapping took place on August 22, 2026, when the victims were abducted in Igbesi.

Police officials carried out a rescue operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro area of the state.

This information was shared in a statement on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State.

Ejire-Adeyemi explained that the operation started after receiving a report at about 10am from a vigilante named Abdul. He reported that one of his men had been shot in the hand while in the bush near Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.

"Acting quickly on the information, the DPO of Oro Police Station led a team made up of police officers, military personnel, and vigilantes to the area," she said.

"When the suspected kidnappers saw the security team coming, they opened fire. There was heavy gunfire, and during the clash, one of the kidnappers was killed. The rest of the gang ran away into the bushes."

The police continued to chase the fleeing criminals and successfully rescued Oba Omotayo and the two other victims, named Maryam Abubakar and Aisha Ilyasu, according to the statement.

The rescued individuals were taken to a hospital for medical care and were reported to be safe.

The police described the successful operation as a result of good intelligence, teamwork between agencies, and a quick response.

Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi praised the police officers and other security personnel involved in the mission.

The police have stepped up efforts to find and capture the remaining members of the kidnapping gang. They also stated that operations would continue in areas known for such crimes.

"The Commissioner assures that there will be no safe place for kidnappers and violent criminals in Kwara State. He urges the public to keep providing timely and reliable information to the police," the statement said.

This news comes shortly after PUNCH Online reported that gunmen had kidnapped the traditional ruler of Igbesi after attacking the community on August 22.

The earlier report mentioned that the attackers fired shots and took the traditional ruler into the bush. Igbesi is part of Oke-Onigbin town in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.